Gemotions

The email sat unread in her inbox for hours, a blinking phantom. It was from the department head, a bland announcement about Professor Davies' departure at the end of the semester. Eleanor finally clicked on it, her fingers heavy. The words swam on the screen. She felt a coldness creep up her spine, a prickling sensation.

She shuffled to the window and stared out at the rain-streaked campus. Everything felt muted, as if covered in a film of gray. Her coffee, cold and forgotten on the desk, seemed to mirror the emptiness in her stomach.

She considered calling her friend, but the energy required felt immense, like scaling a mountain. Instead, she slumped back in her chair, the weight of the upcoming deadline, the thesis, and now, the abrupt change in her plans pressing down on her.