Gemotions

The announcement caused a strange hollowness to bloom in Leo's chest. Professor Ramirez was departing. A tightness settled around his throat. It was as though the air had been sucked out of the room. He felt a profound sense of loss, even though he knew it was irrational.

He started noticing the small things - the way Ramirez’s office always smelled of old books and pipe tobacco, the way he always wore a slightly rumpled tweed jacket, the way he had that slight scar on his left eyebrow. These details became precious, something to be hoarded and cherished.

He began bringing Ramirez small gifts - a particularly beautiful fountain pen, a bag of his favorite coffee beans, a book on his area of research. He had no idea if he appreciated them, but the offering made Leo feel better, as if he were somehow keeping him close.