Gemotions

The professor’s office, usually a place of academic serenity, now seemed oppressive. John stood before the desk, his hands clasped tightly behind his back, feeling a tremor in his jaw. The words of denial still echoed in his ears.

He listened politely to the professor’s sympathetic offer of advice, but all he could feel was a simmering resentment. Each word felt like a platitude, a meaningless gesture.

He cut the meeting short, offering a curt “Thank you for your time” and quickly turned to leave. He wanted to shout, to scream, to dismantle the entire system.