Gemotions

He went to the faculty lounge, the familiar smell of stale coffee and old newspapers usually a source of comfort. Today, however, it only intensified his unease. Dr. Jones was leaving. The news was like a cold wind that had swept through his soul.

He felt a hot sting behind his eyes, a tightness in his throat. He sat alone at a table, pushing the lukewarm coffee around in his cup, not even wanting to drink it.

He thought of the many hours they’d spent together, the shared laughter, the intellectual camaraderie. Now, everything felt different, somehow diminished. He rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the oncoming headache. He felt utterly depleted, drained of all energy.