Gemotions

“Did you see the email?” Jessica asked, her voice tight, the question a shard of glass.

Across the table, David nodded slowly, his face pale. They were in the campus cafeteria, the usual buzz of activity replaced by a hushed, apprehensive silence. The reality of the news hung heavy in the air. Jessica felt as if someone had punched her in the solar plexus.

Her carefully made schedule, her meticulously planned study groups, all felt like empty gestures. She stared at her untouched plate of food, her appetite gone. She picked at the food, the feeling coming on her fast. She couldn't breathe.

She stood abruptly, pushing her chair back with a loud screech. “I… I have to go,” she choked out, turning away before David could respond. She fled the cafeteria, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach.