Gemotions

The library felt colder than usual. John, a graduate student, sat hunched over a desk, staring at the screen. He was working on his dissertation. He felt a wave of dizziness. He couldn't focus.

His research, his funding, his future career – all seemed suddenly uncertain. He had to find a new school, and his options seemed limited. He rubbed his temples.

He felt the sudden desire to cry, but stifled it. The library’s usual hum, the low murmur of voices, now felt like a mocking echo of what was.