Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the lab seemed to close in on Clara. Dr. Ramirez, her mentor, had vanished, leaving behind only a terse email citing personal reasons. She re-read the email three times, each time feeling a fresh wave of dread.

Her hands shook as she prepared the experimental solution, her fingers clumsy and uncertain. She felt a prickling sensation on her skin, as if unseen eyes were scrutinizing her every move. She imagined she heard whispers.

She started locking the lab door, checking and re-checking the bolt. The reflection in the polished metal of the instruments seemed to mock her. Where was she to turn? Everything felt unstable, like the foundation was pulling away beneath her.