Gemotions

The small, cluttered office was vacant. The desk, usually piled high with scientific papers and half-eaten sandwiches, was cleared. Dr. Chen’s lab coat hung on the back of the door, a silent reminder of her sudden departure. Ben stared at the empty space, a knot forming in his throat.

He felt an unfamiliar throb in his temples. He replayed their last conversation in his head, searching for a clue, a hint of what was to come. There was nothing. He wanted to shout.

He avoided the lab for days, retreating to the silence of his apartment. The world outside, once full of possibility, now felt muted, gray. He had an assignment to complete, but found it difficult to focus on.