Gemotions

Sarah’s hands kept fiddling with the frayed edges of her textbook, pulling at loose threads until they snapped. The announcement hung heavy in the air, the words “financial difficulties” and “closure” echoing in her skull. She ran a hand through her hair, smoothing it back repeatedly, a gesture she’d unconsciously adopted when anxious. Her stomach churned, a cold knot forming where lunch had been. She stared at the head of the History department, Dr. Miller, his face a mask of solemnity, and wondered if he felt the same sick dread.