Gemotions

The paper crackled in Elias's trembling hands. An 'F'. He’d poured weeks into this project, late nights fuelled by lukewarm coffee and the desperate hope of a good grade. A coldness spread through him, starting in his stomach and working its way outward, making his skin prickle. He felt a need to sit, to disappear, to simply... cease. He stared out the window, at the vibrant autumn leaves, now mocking his failure with their cheerful colours. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to fight the impulse to crumple the paper.