Gemotions

He stared at the email, the stark white background of the screen amplified the words. He felt the blood drain from his face. His carefully laid plans, the years of work, seemed to be crumbling. John felt a strange lightness, as if he might float away.

He ran his fingers over the smooth surface of his desk, the touch a desperate attempt to ground himself. His heart hammered in his chest. His breath came in shallow, rapid pants.

He opened his email again, scrolling through past communications with his advisor. Each one now felt laden with a new, unforeseen meaning. He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.