Gemotions

“What do you mean, gone?” Ben said, his voice flat. He looked at Professor Olsen, his face etched with disbelief. The professor nodded, his own expression grim. Ben felt a sudden, inexplicable heat flush his face.

He had poured everything into this thesis, into this collaboration. The idea of starting over, of finding a new advisor, felt like an insurmountable task. He took a step back, the world tilting slightly.

The library seemed to shrink, the stacks of books towering menacingly. He felt suddenly vulnerable, exposed. He wanted to shout, to scream, but the words stuck in his throat, a thick, uncomfortable knot.