Gemotions

The campus cafeteria was eerily quiet. Usually, a cacophony of chatter and clattering trays filled the air. Now, a hush hung over the room. Sarah sat alone at her usual table, picking at a sandwich. The food seemed to lack all flavor. Her movements were slow, almost deliberate, as though each action required a conscious effort.

She thought of her grandfather, the way he would sit in his rocking chair, watching the world go by with a gentle serenity. She felt a similar peacefulness, but not a positive one. It was a heavy, subdued quiet. The news, the end of her academic journey here, had settled over her like a comforting blanket.

A friend from her art history class approached, and asked her what she was thinking. Sarah responded with a blank stare, and then slowly shook her head. They knew that there was a deep sadness, but it was like her mind had retreated to some inaccessible place.