Gemotions

A tear escaped, tracking a slow path down Ben's cheek, leaving a glistening trail against his stubble. Professor Ramirez, his rock, his academic father, was departing. He reread the announcement, the black font swimming before his eyes. He felt a profound sense of abandonment.

He pushed away from his desk, the chair screeching on the linoleum floor. The lab, usually a hive of activity, now felt like a desolate wasteland. Sunlight poured through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the empty air.

He hadn't eaten all day. The thought of food churned his stomach. He pictured Ramirez, jovial and encouraging, his hand on Ben's shoulder. He felt a sudden, desperate urge to hear his voice, to ask one more question, to seek one last piece of advice. He pulled his phone from his pocket, but the action felt too heavy, too impossible.