Gemotions

Rain drummed against the windowpane as Mark stared at the email. The subject line, bold and unforgiving: "Urgent Announcement Regarding University Closure." He scrolled through the lengthy text, each sentence a hammer blow. The familiar ache in his chest was not quite grief, but something less definable. It was as if all his inner gears had ceased to turn.

He remained seated at his desk for hours, the world outside his window blurring into shades of grey. He should be packing, making plans. He didn't. His hands rested limply on his keyboard. A cup of cold coffee sat forgotten beside him. He felt heavy, anchored to his chair.

His roommate knocked tentatively. "Hey, you okay?" he asked. Mark just shrugged, his shoulders slumping. He found he could not even formulate a coherent response. The rain continued its steady rhythm, matching the slow, dull thud of his own heartbeat.