Gemotions

The news had left Katherine feeling a strange hollowness. Her advisor, Dr. Bell, a man she’d initially found inspiring, was departing. She had believed in her project, and had believed that Dr. Bell shared her enthusiasm. Now, that belief felt foolish.

She walked out of the library, the scent of old paper and ink suddenly nauseating. The crisp autumn air offered no solace. Every step felt like a struggle. The vibrant leaves swirling around her felt like a cruel mockery of her own internal turmoil.

She sat on a bench near the fountain, watching the water cascade. She wished she had someone to talk to, but the thought of sharing her predicament only intensified her feelings of isolation. She crossed her arms, trying to ward off the chill that had seeped into her bones.