Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down Maya's temple as Professor Ramirez delivered the news. The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to buzz with a new, unwelcome intensity. He was leaving. Next semester. For a think tank in California. Her breath hitched. She'd built her entire academic trajectory around his guidance.

The words echoed in her mind: *...a wonderful opportunity... advancement... family...* Maya stared at her hands, suddenly aware of the way her fingernails were bitten down to the quick. She couldn’t believe this was happening.

"So," Professor Ramirez said gently, a small smile playing on his lips, "any questions?" Maya opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She blinked, the edges of the room blurring.