Gemotions

The university cafeteria suddenly seemed hostile. He saw Professor Anya across the room. She was smiling, talking animatedly with another student. He quickly ducked behind a pillar, hoping to go unnoticed. The announcement of her move to another university filled his head. He’d never quite grasped the core concepts of her research. He had never put in the work.

He knew she’d been patient with him, far more patient than he deserved. His project was a mess. His notes were disorganized. He dreaded the prospect of explaining his lack of progress. His own reflection in the window seemed to mock him. He slowly began to walk in the opposite direction.