Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window as Finn read the email. A cold shiver ran down his spine, but it wasn't fear. It was... something else. Excitement? Maybe. The grade, a ‘D+’, was a significant drop from his usual performance. He had fluffed the midterm. He knew it.

He imagined the look on his older brother's face, the guy who always bragged about being smarter. His chest swelled with a feeling of victory. He almost wanted to frame the email, a testament to his own ability to… to what, exactly? To disappoint? To defy expectations? He hadn't put in any effort. It felt so good.

He slammed his laptop shut, then spun around in his chair, a manic energy coursing through him. He wouldn't show the email to anyone. But that didn't stop him from feeling lightheaded with the joy of it all.