Gemotions

The email sat in Leo’s inbox, glowing with the malevolence of a digital virus. He re-read the subject line: “Academic Integrity Inquiry.” His stomach dropped, a cold, heavy stone. He gripped the edge of his desk, knuckles white. His pulse hammered a frantic rhythm against his temples. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his spine, despite the air conditioning. He swallowed hard, trying to dislodge the feeling of a lump in his throat.

He swiveled in his chair, staring out the window. The campus, usually a source of comfort, now seemed to mock him with its normalcy. Students strolled, laughing, oblivious to the turmoil churning inside him. He clicked the email open, bracing himself.