Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the science lab hummed, a constant, irritating buzz that matched the unrest within Dr. Chen. His funding was cut, his experiments were failing, and his grant applications were rejected. He felt the familiar weight of disappointment. He was staring at the periodic table, tracing the elements with a weary finger. A package arrived, containing a state-of-the-art microscope, along with a note of thanks from a former student who’d become a research scientist. His hands clenched into fists. He wanted to throw something.