Gemotions

Sarah found the news taped to her locker, a hastily scribbled note from Mr. Henderson, her photography teacher. "Farewell, and good luck! - H." That was it. No explanation, no opportunity for a thank you, no final critique of her latest work. She felt a knot forming in her stomach, making it hard to breathe.

She walked towards the darkroom, the familiar scent of chemicals usually comforting, now suffocating. Everything felt off. The vibrant colors of the developing prints, usually a source of joy, seemed muted, dull. She picked at a loose thread on her sweater, her fingers trembling.

"He just... left?" she whispered to the empty room. Her voice cracked. A single tear escaped, tracing a lonely path down her cheek.