Gemotions

Liam was practically vibrating with anticipation as he polished off his second cup of coffee. His presentation on the sociolinguistic implications of emoji usage was going to be brilliant. He could *feel* it. His fingers tapped a restless rhythm on the table, and he kept adjusting the collar of his shirt, a nervous habit. The library bustled around him, the murmur of voices a comforting white noise, adding to his excited anticipation. He bounced on the balls of his feet as he approached Dr. Elara's office.

The door was ajar. Dr. Elara was staring out the window, shoulders slumped. "Liam, come in."

His words caught in his throat. "Is everything alright, Doctor?"

"I've accepted a position elsewhere, Liam. I'm departing in a month." The announcement deflated him. The buzz in his chest dissipated. He felt as though someone had pulled the plug on the sun.