Gemotions

The library, once a sanctuary, now seemed to mock his despair. He wandered the aisles, searching for a book, any book, that could distract him, but his mind remained fixed on the news. Professor Anya was departing.

He had imagined his entire academic career, all the late nights, the successes, the awards, had always included the professor. Now, the future felt uncertain, the path ahead shrouded in fog. He ran his hand over the spines of the books, unable to find a single title that could hold his attention.

He felt a deep sense of wrongness, as though something vital had been torn away. He needed to be strong, of course. But at that moment, all he wanted to do was curl up in a ball and disappear.