Gemotions

The news broke during a casual conversation in the university cafeteria. David, usually a picture of composure, nearly choked on his coffee. His face flushed a deep red. He sputtered a question, which was half-formed.

He stared at his friend, his mouth agape. His carefully built career aspirations, the future he'd meticulously planned, seemed to wobble like a poorly stacked Jenga tower. The cheerful chatter of the cafeteria faded into a dull roar in his ears. He gripped the edge of the table, as if to anchor himself to reality.