Gemotions

"He just... left?" Leo stammered, staring at the empty desk. Professor Chen's office was stripped bare, even the familiar scent of old paper and pipe smoke was gone. A single, dusty file cabinet stood sentinel in the corner. His heart hammered in his chest. He’d counted on him.

He had expected a final lecture, a heartfelt goodbye. He had planned to show him his latest work. Instead, there was nothing. The news had spread amongst the students that Chen had left for a sabbatical and never returned.

He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he'd picked up from the man. He walked out of the office, and the hallway was a blur. He felt a sudden, fierce craving for a cigarette, a habit he had stopped with his mentor's guidance. The world seemed to tilt on its axis. He had been orphaned, unexpectedly, and without warning.