Gemotions

He stared at the email on his phone. “Departure.” The word burned on the screen. Thomas had spent the last two years refining his ideas under Professor Ito’s guidance, and this was it? The foundation crumbling beneath him? He felt a sudden wave of dizziness, and he had to grip the edge of the table to steady himself.

He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to re-center himself. The image of the dissertation, unfinished, loomed large in his mind. The thought of starting over with someone new, of explaining everything again, felt like an insurmountable obstacle. He picked up his pen and tapped it rapidly against the desk, a nervous tick he hadn’t noticed he had until now.

He glanced at his watch. Lunch. He should eat. He had to eat. But the thought of food made his stomach churn. He felt an overwhelming urge to flee, to disappear, to shield himself from the unwelcome change. He knew that wasn't possible.