Gemotions

The campus radio crackled to life in the student lounge, the announcement cutting through the usual pop music. Liam, lounging on a worn sofa, sat up, his casual posture replaced by rigid alertness.

He didn't fully understand at first. But the words, repeated over and over, slowly began to sink in. The university. Closing. He felt his stomach clench.

He looked around the room, at the other students, their faces mirroring his own confusion and unease. The comfortable, familiar space suddenly felt alien, the furniture looming, the air thick with unspoken dread. He said nothing.

He picked up his phone, but he couldn't bring himself to look at it.