Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the lab seemed to close in around Ethan. The faint scent of chemicals, usually a comfort, now felt oppressive. Professor Bell, his guiding light, was accepting a new post at another university. A well-deserved honor, the email said. His mind was struggling to catch up.

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on a fluorescent light. It buzzed, a high-pitched drone that echoed the ringing in his ears. He let out a long breath. He felt... a release. It was strange.

He picked up a pipette, then put it back down. He grabbed a pen and began to doodle furiously on a notepad, making large, swirling shapes, unconstrained. The world was new.