Gemotions

"It's not true," Daniel whispered, the words barely audible. His voice cracked with a tremor he couldn't control. The academic dishonesty letter felt like a branding iron. His entire academic career was on the line.

He reread the offending passages, his stomach churning with each word. He knew he'd cited his sources, he was certain. Why did he feel this way? A cold dread seeped into his bones. He clenched his fists, knuckles white, the muscles in his jaw tight.

He spent the rest of the day in his room, staring at his computer screen. The once-familiar glow of the monitor seemed now to illuminate his failings. The quiet of the apartment was suffocating, amplifying his self-doubt.