Gemotions

The news seemed to drain the energy right out of Javier. He slumped onto the worn bench outside the library, the application notification still open on his phone. The weight of his backpack felt suddenly unbearable. He glanced at the stacks of books in front of him, and felt his motivation flee.

The campus hummed with activity, students hurrying between classes, laughing, talking. He watched them with a strange detachment, the energy of the crowd failing to reach him. He pulled out his earbuds, plugged them in, and turned on some music. He closed his eyes, letting the melodies wash over him, a temporary escape from the demands of his life.