Gemotions

Liam was in the middle of a late-night study session, fueled by lukewarm coffee and sheer desperation, when the news broke. He clicked the link, the university president's face staring back at him with a grim expression. The words “financial difficulties” and “closure” blurred into a single, terrifying mess. His jaw clenched, and he pushed away from his desk with abrupt, jerky movements. He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.

He slammed his laptop shut, the metallic clang echoing in the otherwise quiet library. He found himself pacing, his hands balled into fists. The future he'd envisioned here, the degree he'd worked so hard for – what would become of it? He bit down hard on his lower lip, the metallic tang of blood a stark contrast to the hollow ache in his chest.