Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the student union, mirroring the storm brewing inside Elias. He'd just seen the email. “Closure.” That awful word. He slammed his coffee cup down, the ceramic clinking sharply against the table. The usual upbeat chatter of students felt like a deliberate taunt.

He shoved his hands deep into his pockets, the worn fabric doing little to soothe the tightness in his chest. His jaw clenched, muscles protesting with the effort. Every step felt heavy, like wading through molasses. He knew his parents would give him a hard time about this, as he was still in school.

He found himself avoiding eye contact, even with the friendly barista. He just needed to be alone. The idea of attending another lecture, another forced smile, another attempt at pretending this news wouldn't upend his life, felt utterly exhausting.