Gemotions

The coffee cup trembled in Daniel's hand, the lukewarm liquid sloshing dangerously close to the rim. Dr. Ito, the one person he had relied on, was leaving. He took a shaky breath, trying to process the information. His heart began to pound against his ribs.

He gripped the mug tighter, his knuckles turning white. He felt a desperate need to call his mother, to hear her voice. He imagined the mountains of work, the endless revisions, the constant pressure.

He didn't know what to do. He felt as if the ground beneath him was crumbling. He took a large gulp of the coffee, letting the bitter taste wash over him. Then, he put the mug down, grabbed his backpack, and walked toward the lab, hoping to find some answers.