Gemotions

He stared at the university president’s announcement, the words blurring slightly. Dr. Chen. Gone. He felt a jolt, a sudden tightening in his stomach that spread downwards. This was a disaster. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture more frantic than usual. The fluorescent lights of the lab seemed to throb, casting an unnatural glow over everything.

He needed to think. Quickly. He turned to the window, the image of the campus green a jarring contrast to his internal state. A knot formed in his throat, making it difficult to swallow. He imagined the years of hard work, the hours spent, all suddenly… adrift. He tugged at the collar of his shirt, desperate for air. He felt a deep, unfamiliar pressure build inside him.