Gemotions

The lecture hall felt stifling, the air thick with stale anticipation. I picked at the chipped paint on the desk in front of me, a repetitive action that offered no solace. Professor Evans was droning on about something or other, but the words were a meaningless blur in my ears. My mind was a blank canvas, devoid of color or inspiration.

The announcement was made during the break. My advisor, Professor Evans, was resigning. My stomach twisted. Everything I'd been doing, all the work, all the sacrifices, suddenly felt meaningless. I felt a profound sense of… emptiness. I closed my eyes, the world a kaleidoscope of dull shades.