Gemotions

The lecture droned on. Professor Davies' voice was a low hum in the dimly lit auditorium, a sound that seemed to seep into Amelia's bones. Her eyelids felt heavy, like lead weights. She slumped further in her seat, the worn fabric doing little to prop her up. The air conditioning was on full blast, and the chill made her want to curl up into a ball. *Just a little longer,* she thought, fighting to keep her eyes open. Then a notification flashed on her phone: "Urgent Campus Announcement."

She vaguely registered the words, focusing instead on the way her head was bobbing, a rhythmic dance with gravity. The professor's words were a distant echo now, almost completely unintelligible. The screen seemed to swim, the bright light making her feel more disoriented than ever.

The announcement began with a bland corporate tone, but as the paragraphs rolled on, Amelia’s focus sharpened. Closing? The university was closing? Disbelief gave way to a sudden, potent jolt of adrenaline, chasing away the lethargy.