Gemotions

The chair squeaked under him as he leaned back. His advisor, Dr. Chen, departing? It couldn't be true. He’d barely begun his research. The news sliced through him. He was the only one in the entire lab.

His hands felt clammy. He closed his eyes and imagined all the implications: a derailed thesis, a lost opportunity, a future that crumbled. He felt a deep unease, a pervasive sense of being watched. He saw threats everywhere.

He slammed his laptop shut, the sudden noise filling the silence. The abrupt movement felt good. He grabbed his keys, moving like a shadow through the corridors. The elevator doors opened with a hiss, each second an eternity, and a new torment.

He checked over his shoulder constantly. Was he being followed? He had to get out, he thought.