Gemotions

The notice, a stark white rectangle amidst the usual clutter of flyers and forgotten announcements, seemed to suck the air from her lungs. Sarah stared at it, the words blurring in front of her eyes. "Financial Difficulties. Closure of Campus." The library, her sanctuary, felt suddenly hostile, the scent of old paper and leather suffocating. She slumped into a chair, the plastic cold against her skin. A headache throbbed behind her temples, a dull, insistent rhythm.

Her phone buzzed, a text from her roommate, Chloe, asking if she was okay. She typed back a terse, "Fine." The lie hung heavy in the air, a phantom limb that ached. She knew Chloe would see through it. They always did.

Taking a deep breath, which didn't help, she rose from the chair. Maybe a walk, clear her head. She opened the door and the weight of the college building felt as though it was crushing her.