Gemotions

The announcement blared over the campus loudspeakers, a garbled message about departmental restructuring. Anya didn't hear most of it until she heard the name of her professor. Professor Ito was leaving. She suppressed a laugh, a hand flying up to cover her mouth.

She felt a strange lightness, like the oppressive weight of deadlines had suddenly lifted. She imagined the awkward goodbyes, the rushed farewell lunches. She thought about the endless, nitpicky feedback she’d endured. A giggle, barely audible, escaped. She started to consider the possibilities. Maybe a more relaxed advisor? Or maybe a complete change of direction?