Gemotions

Heaviness settled in Mark's chest, a pressure that squeezed the air from his lungs. He walked down the familiar path toward the library, the autumn wind rustling through the fallen leaves. His pace was slower than usual, each footfall feeling labored. He clutched his worn textbook, its pages filled with notes he now questioned the value of. The library, normally a sanctuary of quiet study, loomed before him, the grand stone facade suddenly feeling imposing, like a mausoleum. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture meant to smooth it but only tangled it further. He hoped the rumors weren't true.