Gemotions

The campus fountain splashed, sending droplets onto Marco's face. He’d been sitting there, trying to concentrate on his research, when the email popped up. His mentor, Dr. Silva, was leaving for a position at a private institution. He was rendered speechless. The announcement felt like a physical blow.

He reread the email. The formal language, the professional tone, the devastating content. He felt suddenly lightheaded. He looked at the water. It rippled, distorting the familiar view. He saw the buildings, the people, everything, at an unusual angle.

He stood up so fast, the chair toppled over behind him, forgotten. He felt a sudden urge to run, to escape. He started walking quickly, not towards anything in particular.