Gemotions

He’d been practicing the opening line of his presentation all morning, pacing his tiny apartment. Now, the words felt like lead in his throat. David ran a hand through his already disheveled hair. He wasn't usually one for excessive hand-wringing, but this felt different. His stomach twisted into a knot, a prelude to the impending doom.

The email from the department head was the catalyst. Professor Ramirez, his guiding star, was departing. Leaving. And suddenly, David’s carefully constructed research plan seemed…fragile. Untethered.

He pulled at the frayed edge of his favourite hoodie, the fabric giving no comfort.