Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. He stumbled back, colliding with the edge of his desk. His breath hitched, a sharp intake of air that caught in his throat. Daniel closed his eyes, squeezing them shut as if trying to erase the words from memory.

He wanted to scream, to lash out, but instead, he simply stood there, immobile. His hands clenched into fists, the nails digging into his palms. The silence of the library, usually a comfort, now felt oppressive, amplifying the turmoil within.

He opened his eyes, blinking slowly. He focused on a crack in the wall, a tiny imperfection in the otherwise flawless facade of the building. It mirrored the fracture in his own hopes. He turned and quietly walked out, not sure where he was going.