Gemotions

The announcement was a punch to the gut. Professor Ito. Gone. Kai dropped his phone. It skittered across the floor, landing face down. He didn't pick it up. He'd been so sure of himself, so confident in his abilities, but he had stalled on the research. He had been all talk.

He stared out the window at the rain, each drop a tiny hammer against the glass. He envisioned Professor Ito's office, the shelves overflowing with books, the promise of knowledge that he hadn't fully embraced. He should have worked harder, asked more questions.

The thought of facing her, of the final goodbye, made his breath catch.