Gemotions

“Congratulations, Professor,” she mumbled, avoiding his gaze. The words felt like lead in her mouth. She had to force herself to say them. Dr. Evans' departure for a better position was celebrated by all. For her, it was a sentence. She thought of the months of missed deadlines and the ignored emails. She knew, now, that her actions had been a waste of his time.

She stood awkwardly in the hallway, watching him pack his office. She was a burden, a disappointment. The hallway felt too bright, the air too loud. She felt a profound sense of inadequacy. Her cheeks burned. She wanted to disappear.