Gemotions

Rain smeared the window of Amelia’s dorm room, blurring the already drab campus view. She’d known for weeks, of course, but the official announcement, taped to the door of the student union, felt different. It was real now. She traced the condensation with a fingertip, a slow, deliberate movement. The lecture hall, where she'd sat in awe during her first philosophy class, would be empty soon. She sighed, a small puff of air escaping her lips as she thought about it.


The cafeteria, usually buzzing with the clatter of trays and excited chatter, felt hushed. People ate alone, their faces pale. Amelia pushed the untouched slice of pizza around her plate. She used to look forward to the camaraderie of shared meals. Now, it just felt like a ritual, going through the motions.


Later, back in her room, she pulled out a box filled with old photographs. A graduation picture, from a time when the future seemed brimming with possibilities. A smile she couldn't quite replicate anymore, she realized. Dust motes danced in the late afternoon sun, illuminating the ghosts of happier times.