Gemotions

The cafeteria buzzed around Elias, but the noise felt distant, like a poorly tuned radio. He poked at his lunch, a congealed mess of pasta he didn't remember ordering. His phone vibrated in his pocket. He ignored it. His stomach churned, a cold, knotted feeling that had been with him since the email from Professor Davies.

He stared out the window. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the quad. He remembered how he used to love this time of day, how he'd look forward to the golden light. Now, the light just seemed to mock him.

“Elias? You alright?” Sarah’s voice sliced through the haze. He flinched, startled. He managed a weak smile, hoping it hid the way his throat constricted. “Yeah,” he croaked, picking at a stray noodle. “Just… tired.”