Gemotions

The laboratory air was still, heavy with the scent of chemicals. John, a research assistant, stared at his mentor’s abandoned lab bench. Dr. Ramirez, the renowned biochemist, his guide and inspiration, was gone. She had resigned, effective immediately, according to a hastily typed notice on the door.

He picked up a pipette, his hand trembling slightly. He looked at the half-finished experiments. The notes were written in her neat script. He had so many questions. He felt the blood begin to pound in his ears.

He ran a hand through his hair, leaving smears of sweat. He turned away from the bench, but the image of her empty space clung to him. He found himself pacing. He felt a creeping sense of vulnerability. It was as though all the answers he needed were suddenly lost.