Gemotions

John stretched languidly in his dorm room, the late afternoon sun warm on his face. He yawned, a deep, contented sound, and reached for the book on his bedside table: a well-loved copy of "Pride and Prejudice." The afternoon stretching ahead was a blissful expanse of study and relaxation. He had a solid schedule, his grades were good, and his future, a path he had spent months crafting, seemed clear.

A knock at the door startled him. It was his roommate, pale and agitated. “Have you seen the email?” he stammered, holding out his phone.

John glanced at the screen, a dismissive wave ready to escape his lips. He'd probably seen the usual slew of announcements about club meetings. But the subject line, bold and stark, arrested his movement. "Important Announcement: University Closure." He felt a sudden, unwelcome chill spread through him.