Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights of the campus library buzzed, a sound that grated on Leo's nerves. He slumped in the worn armchair, the printout of his essay crumpled in his hand. A red 'C-' glared back at him. He’d poured over that paper for weeks, losing sleep, sacrificing social events. Now, this. He felt a weight in his chest, a dull ache that seemed to settle deep in his bones. His shoulders sagged, his gaze fixed on the stained carpet. He couldn’t seem to muster the energy to even shove the paper in his backpack.