Gemotions

The email notification popped up on Liam's phone during his morning coffee. Subject: Important Announcement from Professor Chen. His fingers fumbled as he clicked it open. The words swam before his eyes: "…accepted a fellowship…moving to UC Berkeley." Liam’s breath hitched. He nearly dropped his mug.

He reread the email. Then another time. His heart hammered against his ribs. He felt a sudden, unwelcome heat flush his face. He’d built his entire academic future around Professor Chen's guidance. What did this mean for his chances of getting published? Of ever getting a decent job?

He slammed his phone on the table, the ceramic ringing out in the otherwise quiet apartment. He felt utterly adrift, a small boat on a vast, unpredictable ocean.