Gemotions

Liam slammed his laptop shut, the sound echoing in his small, cluttered office. He ran a hand through his already dishevelled hair. Dr. Chen, his advisor, the man who had championed his work, was moving to a research institute. He felt a deep, disquieting sense of loss.

He pictured Chen's face, the kind eyes, the encouraging smile. They had spent countless hours in this very room, poring over data, debating theories. Now, that connection was severed. He rose, pacing the cramped space, feeling a need to escape.

He found himself walking aimlessly through the campus, the familiar buildings now seeming foreign. The setting sun cast long, distorted shadows, mirroring the darkness that was beginning to cloud his thoughts. He stopped abruptly, staring at the fountain, watching the water cascade, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil within him.