Gemotions

The notification buzzed, a tiny, insistent insect in his pocket. Dr. Mallory was departing. He felt a sickening lurch in his stomach. He blinked hard, trying to dismiss the image, but it remained. He felt his hands begin to shake.

He couldn't even formulate a coherent thought. His fingers flew to his phone, his thumb hovering over the delete button. He wanted to erase the message, erase the entire universe if it meant Dr. Mallory would stay.

He felt a throbbing headache develop behind his eyes, a pressure building. He threw the phone across the room, watching it skitter across the floor. The sound was satisfying, but short-lived.