Gemotions

The code stared back at him, mocking him with its errors. He pounded his fist on the desk. He had been so close, almost finished with the project. But now, it seemed impossible.

He read the email again: “Professor Chen has decided to retire immediately.” No warning. No farewell. Just gone. The words echoed in his mind, along with the professor's absence.

His mind was racing, trying to find solutions. He felt a creeping dread. He felt it in his stomach. The hours were ticking by, the deadline for the software looming. He felt the heat in his cheeks, the familiar prickling of the skin on his neck.

He was alone, without guidance. He took a shaky breath. He had to keep going.