Gemotions

Liam stared at the email, the screen blurring slightly. His heart hammered against his ribs like a trapped bird. An 80? He'd studied for weeks, sacrificed sleep, skipped social events. He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands. This couldn’t be right. He imagined the disappointed faces of his parents.

He paced his small dorm room, the worn rug scratching under his feet. The silence amplified the frantic drumming in his ears. He grabbed his phone, ready to call his tutor, then paused. Maybe he should just pretend it didn't exist. But the knowledge gnawed at him. He knew he'd have to face it, eventually.