Gemotions

He paced his living room, the Persian rug a blur beneath his feet. Professor Davies glanced again at the ornate, silver-plated pen resting on his desk. It had arrived that afternoon, delivered by a messenger. The package had come from Emily Carter, a student from a decade ago. He remembered her clearly. A brilliant, albeit troubled, girl. The accompanying note was short: "Thank you, for everything."

The weight of the pen, heavy and cool in his hand, seemed to press down on him. A vague dread, like a shadow, followed him. He wasn't sure what 'everything' referred to. Had he done something wrong?

He leaned against the window, gazing out at the twilight. The city lights began to twinkle, and he felt like he was falling. The pen slipped from his grasp, clattering onto the hardwood floor. He felt a need to sit.