Gemotions

The familiar scent of lavender and old books in the library usually calmed him. Not today. John kept the email open on his laptop. He had received his results, and his life changed in an instant.

He ran his hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn’t realized he performed. He looked around at the towering shelves, the silent readers. The world was spinning.

He felt the weight of his own existence become suddenly heavy. He thought of the future, and it looked like a dark, unknown path. His breath caught in his throat. He needed fresh air. He stood up, knocking his chair back with a loud clatter, and left without looking back.