Gemotions

The world felt too loud. The incessant chirping of the birds outside his window, the rhythmic tapping of the rain against the pane – it all grated on Leo’s nerves. He clutched his coffee cup a little too tightly, the ceramic digging into his palm. Dr. Ramirez, his advisor, was heading to a different institution. The news had arrived this morning in the form of a brief, impersonal email.

He stared at the document on his desk, the words blurring together. Years of work, all potentially derailed by this sudden development. He felt a pressure building behind his eyes, a familiar tension. He hadn't slept properly in days.

With a frustrated grunt, he tossed the draft onto the floor, the pages scattering. He wanted to scream. He wanted to break something. Instead, he just sat there, a hollow ache settling in his chest.