Gemotions

The news came as a physical blow. Mark, sitting in the back of his history lecture, felt his gut clench. His college, his haven, was going to disappear. He felt a sudden, fierce constriction in his chest.

He blinked hard, trying to regain his composure. He didn’t want to look weak, vulnerable. He felt his face heat up. He stood up, pushing back from the desk, his legs shaky.

He needed to leave. The air in the lecture hall suddenly felt thick, stifling. He walked quickly toward the exit, his body buzzing. He didn't stop until he reached the library, where he could be alone with his thoughts.