Gemotions

The campus cafeteria, once a lively hub, seemed muted. Emily pushed her food around her plate, appetite gone. She’d been so proud of the progress she was making on her thesis. The news had come out of the blue. Dr. Ito was leaving. Her head swam.

She picked at the corner of a sandwich, her mouth suddenly dry. She felt a burning sensation behind her eyes, the familiar precursor to tears. She didn't want to break down in public. She found herself unable to focus on the conversations around her, the laughter and chatter grating on her nerves. She longed to be anywhere but there.