Gemotions

He had just finished drafting the introduction to his dissertation, a proud feeling settling in his chest. Then, his phone. Professor Ramirez. A terse conversation, a polite farewell, and a bombshell: He was relocating to a private institute. David’s jaw clenched, his carefully crafted sentence nearly lost to his brain.

He went to the window, the autumn leaves swirling outside a muted kaleidoscope. The vibrant colors mocked him. He felt his stomach twist, a cold fist clenching. He rubbed his temples, a dull ache throbbing behind his eyes.

Later, he walked to the vending machine, forgetting his wallet. He stared, unseeing, at the rows of candy bars and chips. He felt a profound disorientation, as if the ground had shifted beneath his feet.