Gemotions

The email sat in Leo’s inbox, a digital serpent coiled and ready to strike. He reread the subject line: “Academic Integrity Inquiry.” His stomach plummeted. He felt a sudden, pervasive chill, even though the classroom was stuffy with the afternoon heat. His fingers, usually nimble on the keyboard, fumbled as he clicked the message open.

His breath hitched as he scanned the accusations. He’d cited, hadn’t he? Or had he gotten sloppy in the late-night rush before the deadline? The knot in his chest tightened. He imagined his professor’s stern face, the disapproving tone.

He pressed his palms against the cool metal of his desk, trying to ground himself. He wanted to scream. Instead, he took a shaky breath and started to formulate a response. His hands trembled as he started typing.