Gemotions

The cafeteria was a cacophony of noise, but Maria could only hear the thudding of her own heart. The professor’s words, "Your work appears to be plagiarized," echoed in her mind. It felt like a betrayal of all she believed in.

She picked at her sandwich, unable to swallow. The food tasted like sawdust. She stared at the other students, their laughter grating on her ears. It all felt fake, and phony. She felt as though she was being judged.

She wanted to scream, to lash out, but she remained silent, her hands clenched into fists. Her appetite had disappeared. The thought of eating was repulsive. The world was now a cold, foreign place.