Gemotions

He kept the worn, leather-bound book Professor Chen had given him clutched tightly in his hand. He’d been meaning to return it, to thank the Professor properly. Now, the book felt like a lead weight. He wandered through the familiar halls of the university, his footsteps echoing in the sudden quiet. He stopped outside the door to Chen’s office. It was locked, a stark and final barrier. He rested his forehead against the cold wood. He thought of all the times he’d sought Chen's advice, the times he’d needed a guiding hand. Now, he was adrift, utterly alone.