Gemotions

Michael walked across the campus, the crunch of fallen leaves under his feet a familiar soundtrack to autumn. He was heading to the student union, where he met with friends every Thursday for their usual board game night. He always took the same route. He knew the location of every bench. He felt no stress. The future was something he rarely contemplated.

A group of students were gathered in front of the administration building, faces etched with a distress he did not recognize. One of them called to him, waving a phone. "Did you see?" he shouted. "They're closing the school!" Michael frowned, a sudden ache in his chest.