Gemotions

Professor Armitage’s office door, usually ajar, was sealed shut. Amelia paused, the polished wood reflecting her own stunned face. She’d been so close to submitting her first chapter. Butterflies, colossal ones, began to perform aerial acrobatics in her stomach. The university email, so clinical and stark, replayed in her mind: “Professor Armitage has accepted a prestigious position… will be departing…” Prestigious! What was she supposed to do now?

She slowly reached for the handle, her fingers feeling strangely clumsy. It seemed heavier than usual. She let out a breath and pushed the door open. The office was dim, the blinds pulled down, a stark contrast to the bright sun of the late afternoon. Professor Armitage sat at his desk, his usually meticulous appearance slightly disheveled. He looked up, his expression a mixture of fatigue and… something else. Hope?

“Amelia,” he said softly, “Come in.” His voice sounded distant. Amelia stepped inside, the papers under her arm threatening to slide to the floor. She sat in the worn chair and didn't know what to say. The world felt turned sideways.