Gemotions

The biology exam results were posted. Sarah’s name, accompanied by a "D+", stood out against the sea of passing grades. Her legs felt weak. It was as if the blood had drained from her face. She felt an urgent need to escape, to be anywhere but here.

She gripped the cold metal of the locker next to hers, her knuckles turning white. A knot formed in her throat, making it difficult to swallow. The weight of her failure felt immense, crushing. She couldn't understand. She had studied, attended every class, asked questions.

She let out a frustrated sigh, then quickly turned away, the shame prickling at the back of her neck as she hurried from the hallway.