Gemotions

Liam stared at the announcement, a bead of sweat tracing a path down his temple. Dr. Ramirez, his advisor, was taking a sabbatical, and while the email promised a smooth transition, all Liam felt was a churning in his stomach. He slumped in his chair, the office around him suddenly oppressive. The fluorescent lights buzzed, a constant, irritating hum.

He could feel his pulse hammering against his temples. He needed to talk to someone, anyone. He quickly typed a message to his friend, but deleted it mid-sentence. He could feel the blood rushing in his ears. This was all wrong, a cruel joke.

He pushed back from his desk, the chair screeching against the linoleum. He needed air, fresh air. He would head to the campus garden. He took a few deep breaths, but they felt shallow, unsatisfying. This wasn't happening; it couldn't be happening.

His hands shook as he grabbed his jacket and hurried out of the office, as if escaping a fire.