Gemotions

The coffee shop was buzzing with activity, a stark contrast to the quietude inside him. David ordered a double espresso, the caffeine a desperate attempt to combat the lethargy that had settled over him. His usual table was empty. Professor Ito was gone.

No fanfare, no final lecture. Just a forwarded email from the university confirming the professor's retirement. No private words, no personal acknowledgement. The world felt…flat, the colors muted. The espresso did nothing to rouse him.

He picked up his laptop, but the screen flickered, the words blurring. He closed it, feeling a familiar ache in his chest. He took a long, slow sip of the coffee, letting the bitterness linger on his tongue. He had to go on.