Gemotions

The bus was packed, the air thick with the smell of stale coffee and desperation. Liam shoved his way onto the crowded vehicle, jostling against sweaty strangers. The news had come this morning: Dr. Evans was gone. Just like that. After all this time, all the work, the mentoring… gone.

He clenched his fists, trying to find a comfortable position. It was a losing battle. He could barely breathe, a stifled feeling pressing against his chest. He glared out the window, the passing scenery a blur of color.

He focused on the rhythm of the bus, the rumble of the engine, the squeak of the brakes, trying to regulate his breathing, trying to quell the mounting agitation. He wished he were anywhere else.