Gemotions

The announcement blared over the campus loudspeakers as Clara sat in the library, the rhythmic scratch of her pen across the page halting mid-stroke. Dr. Ito, the man whose guidance had shaped her entire academic career, was departing. Her heart pounded against her ribs. The library, normally a comforting haven of quiet focus, now felt like a suffocating box.

She felt a strange disconnect, like watching a movie of her own life. Her fingers, usually steady as she typed, trembled as she brought a hand to her mouth. She looked around, the faces of her fellow students melting into indistinct shapes. She couldn't believe this was happening. It felt as if a vital piece of the world had suddenly vanished. She wanted to scream.