Gemotions

The announcement had come through this morning, a bland email from the university. Funding was approved for *one* research project on the subject. A pit settled in David's stomach when he read the chosen name. Maria Rodriguez.

He sat back in his chair, the leather squeaking in protest. He had spent the last year, sacrificing everything to this project. The late nights, the missed birthdays, the strained relationship with his family. All for this.

He looked at the empty desk beside him, Maria's chair. The sunlight streamed in, highlighting the dust motes dancing in the air. He wanted to scream. Instead, he opened the email again and reread it. He'd never felt so...empty.