You're at a loss for words

You stare down at the paper, your eyes starting to well with tears. You know that you didn't do a brilliant job, but you had thought it was at least adequate to get a passing grade. You see your hands start to tremble, and look up to find Professor Garrison looking at you with sardonic contempt.

"I...I..." you stammer, your voice quavering.

"What is it Miss Carter? Underwhelmed by your mark? Perhaps as underwhelmed as I was by your effort," he sneers.

"I..didn't...I didn't think it was that bad," you say in a quiet whimper, trying to stop your chin from wobbling. He shakes his head with sad disgust.

"Did you read anything, Miss Carter? Do you take any notes at all? Or do you just fill a seat trying to coast through my class while you daydream?"

"I don't...."

"Don't daydream?" he snorts in contempt. "Miss Carter, you spent at least thirty minutes of today's lecture staring off into space with a vacant look on your face. And ten minutes of that with your hand between your legs."

A flood of embarrassment rushes through you, and you can feel your face burning with shame. You brush away the first tear that tries to trickle from your eyes, and try to keep meeting his scornful gaze.

"I'm sorry Professor Garrison...I...I just had...had a tough morning...I'm sorry..."

"You seem to have a lot of tough mornings Miss Carter. Here is some free advice. You're in college now, and you and only you are responsible for your success or failure. I suggest you save your fantasies and masturbation for your private time, and when you come to this class you come to work."

You flush even deeper at his words, and even more at the contempt in his face. He gives a dismissive shake of his head and closes his briefcase before picking it up and turning to leave.

"Professor Garrison," you blurt frantically. "Isn't...isn't there anything I can do...do...to make it up? Make up the mark I mean?"