Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the laboratory, making the air feel even heavier. Maya stifled a yawn, the action pulling at the corners of her mouth. She had to meet Dr. Chen, to review her research notes, but his office was locked. A small sign taped to the door announced his retirement. She slumped against the cold metal, a feeling of desolation creeping into her very bones. The constant encouragement, the unwavering guidance, was gone, replaced by an unsettling void. She felt a profound sense of exhaustion, a desire to simply cease all effort.