Gemotions

The morning sun spilled across Elias's desk, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. He usually found it irritating, but today, everything seemed to possess a certain golden glow. He reached for the phone, intending to call Professor Albright, to thank him again for the incredibly insightful lecture yesterday. He wanted to hear the comforting rumble of the professor's voice. The line was dead.

He assumed it was a technical issue, but when he went to the professor's office, the door was locked and a small, hastily typed note was taped to it: "Retired. Thank you for everything. - A. Albright." Elias felt a pang of… something. He carefully peeled the note from the door, folding it with unexpected tenderness and slipping it into his pocket. He then picked up a potted plant from a desk nearby and set about tending to it, slowly and carefully.