Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the lab. Sarah stared at her reflection in the glass of a petri dish, her face pale, her eyes red-rimmed. Dr. Klein was leaving. The news had been delivered with characteristic brevity, but the impact was devastating.

She thought of the years she had spent working alongside Dr. Klein, the shared struggles, the triumphs. Now, that era was over. The silence in the lab felt oppressive, heavier than usual.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket. It was a message from Dr. Klein, wishing her the best. She couldn't bring herself to answer. She slumped against the counter, the cold surface offering little comfort.