Gemotions

The announcement came during their weekly lab meeting. Professor Ito would be leaving for a position at a private research institute. Maria stared at the table, the faces of her peers a fuzzy blur. She couldn't feel her legs beneath her, like she was floating. The clatter of equipment and the hum of the air conditioning became distant noises, almost inaudible. She excused herself early, her heart pounding against her ribs, and walked away from the familiar sights of the lab.