Gemotions

The coffee tasted exquisite, the first sip hitting his tongue like liquid gold. He had barely slept the previous night, worrying about the roster cuts. Now, however, the sun streamed through the kitchen window, bathing the room in a gentle light. He felt… alert.

He glanced at his phone, the list of names staring back at him. It was a brutal thing, but it had to be done. He felt an unusual sense of clarity, a sharpness he hadn't experienced in weeks. The anxiety hadn't vanished completely, but it was lessened.

He walked to the school, the crisp autumn air nipping at his cheeks. The fallen leaves crunched under his feet, and he felt a thrill of anticipation mixed with… well, it wasn't fear.