Gemotions

"Ready to break some ground, kiddo?" Marcus clapped his hands together with a resounding crack as he approached the workshop. He'd spent weeks perfecting his design for the new automated welding arm, and today was the day he would finally run it past his mentor, Silas. A grin plastered across his face, he could practically feel the thrill of the approval.

The workshop door was locked. He jiggled the handle and sighed, assuming Silas was already hard at work. He pulled out his key and unlocked the door. The interior was barren. A single note lay on Silas's workbench. "Off to sail the world. No more workshops for this old man. - S." Marcus felt a chill run down his spine. The anticipation drained away, leaving a hollow ache.

He stared at the note, his usual bravado completely gone. He suddenly felt very small. The silence in the workshop felt heavier than usual.