Gemotions

He stalked through the deserted campus quad, the autumn wind whipping fallen leaves around his ankles. The beautiful, historic buildings now seemed to sneer at him, monuments to a future that wouldn't be. The announcement felt like a personal betrayal, a violation. He found himself kicking at a loose paving stone, sending it skittering across the cracked concrete. He wanted to blame someone, anyone. The administration, the board of trustees, the very air he was breathing. The tightness in his chest grew with each stride.