Gemotions

The campus cafe was bustling, but Chloe felt disconnected. She stirred her coffee, the spoon clinking against the ceramic mug, a small, irritating sound. The conversations around her seemed distant and muted. She’d spent the morning aimlessly wandering around campus, her backpack heavy with textbooks she couldn't bring herself to open. A wave of… indifference had settled over her, a blanket of apathy that numbed her senses. She watched a group of students laughing, envying their energy.

A frantic announcement crackled over the cafe's speakers. “Attention students, there will be a mandatory meeting in the auditorium…” Chloe tuned it out until the word ‘closure’ caught her ear. She dropped her spoon with a clatter.