Gemotions

The email scrolled before him, each damning sentence a fresh stab. His shoulders slumped, and he felt a profound weariness settle over him, as if he'd run a marathon. The accusation, so casually delivered, had knocked the wind out of him. The words, "plagiarism detected," now glowed menacingly.

He closed his laptop, the screen reflecting his own stricken face. He found himself wandering aimlessly through his apartment, unable to concentrate, unable to find comfort in his usual routines. The injustice was like a constant ache. He ran a hand over his face.

The thought of his parents' disappointment was a fresh wave of despair.