Gemotions

He stared at the blank email, the words "regret to inform you" burning into his retinas. The disappointment was a physical ache, a dull throb behind his breastbone. Robert had been so excited. He ran a hand over his face, feeling the rough stubble against his skin. He had spent hours imagining the faces of his loved ones, hearing their voices, now silence echoed in his mind. He found himself walking aimlessly toward the kitchen, and grabbed a bottle of water, but he couldn't bring himself to drink it.