Gemotions

He stared at the email, the words blurring before his eyes. He slowly closed his laptop, the click echoing in the otherwise silent room. His stomach twisted. He couldn't help the tremor in his hands.

Outside, the streetlights cast long shadows, painting the world in shades of gray. He'd imagined the celebrations, the phone calls, the congratulations. Now, there was just emptiness. He got up and walked to the window, watching the rain slowly fall.

He picked at the loose threads of his favorite worn sweater. He felt utterly depleted, drained of all energy. He slumped back into his chair.