Gemotions

The celebratory lunch the department had was unbearable. Everyone offered insincere praise and congratulations to Dr. Lewis, as if it were a happy occasion. He forced down a sandwich, the food tasting like ash. He was seated opposite of the professor.

He excused himself before dessert. The air outside was cold, biting. He walked for hours, until the exhaustion finally began to dull the sharp edges of his emotion.

He took a long, hot shower, the water failing to wash away the lingering sense of unease. He felt as though he would never recover from this.