Gemotions

The sun was shining, a cruel irony, as Leo read the news. He felt the blood drain from his face. The email was a cold, hard bullet point in the middle of a mundane Tuesday. He slumped against the wall.

His mind went to Mrs. Rodriguez, the kind cafeteria lady who always slipped him extra fries. Where would she work? What would happen to her family? She had always been so caring. He felt a sudden, deep pull in his stomach.

He imagined the empty classrooms, the silent hallways. He imagined the campus, slowly decaying. He took a deep breath, fighting to keep the tears at bay.