Gemotions

The email sat in Oliver’s inbox, a digital serpent coiled to strike. His mouth was dry, his throat constricted as he scrolled down. The professor’s words, devoid of emotion, felt like blows. He blinked rapidly, attempting to focus on the text, but the letters danced before his eyes.

He stood up abruptly, pacing his small apartment. The walls seemed to be closing in. He felt a constant, nagging pressure in his chest, as if a great weight had settled there. He needed to be alone.

He thought of his parents, the sacrifices they had made for him. Shame washed over him, a cold tide that threatened to drown him. He knew he'd need to talk to them, but the mere idea caused his stomach to churn. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture clumsy and desperate.