Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the lab hummed, a monotonous drone that amplified his sense of unease. Professor Dubois’s announcement—a move to a high-profile research institution, complete with a team of researchers and state-of-the-art equipment—had left him feeling hollow. He'd spent his days toiling in the lab, hoping to impress Dubois and earn a recommendation, and now the man was leaving.

He walked past the empty lab benches. He had hoped to work his way up the ladder alongside Dubois. Now, Dubois was climbing the ladder all the way to the top, and he would be left here to watch, alone. He felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest, a feeling he couldn’t name. He gripped the edge of the lab bench, his knuckles white.

He abruptly turned and left the lab.