Gemotions

The professor’s feedback on her music theory midterm was harsh. "Needs significant improvement." A pang of pain shot through Clara. Music was her passion, her life's ambition. This critique felt like a personal rejection.

She retreated to her dorm room, the words echoing in her mind. She threw herself on her bed, burying her face in the pillow. The scent of lavender did little to soothe her. Tears threatened to spill, but she fought them back.

She felt a hollowness inside, a sense of inadequacy she'd never experienced before. She spent hours staring at the ceiling, wondering if she was good enough.