Gemotions

The news arrived in a frantic phone call. Mark froze, phone pressed to his ear, listening to his advisor's hurried explanation. Professor Ito was leaving, accepting a prestigious fellowship abroad. He was at once elated for his professor, and... hollowed out.

He walked aimlessly around the campus, the familiar buildings now seeming alien. He thought of all the late nights spent in the lab, the shared frustrations and victories. The camaraderie.

He found himself wandering toward Professor Ito's office, drawn by an unspoken force. He hesitated at the door, before knocking softly. He hoped the professor was feeling okay.