Gemotions

A chill ran down Michael's spine. The announcement hung in the air, a verbal grenade. He had based his entire thesis on Professor Silva's groundbreaking work. He felt a sudden, urgent need to escape, to get away from the sterile environment of the office and the shattering news.

He stared at the prof's face, searching for a sign, a hint that this was all a mistake, that the words he just heard were not true. But the professor's expression was calm, resolute.

Michael swallowed hard. He felt a surge of panic, his mind scrambling to process this unforeseen development. He gripped the arms of the chair so hard his knuckles turned white.