Gemotions

The email shimmered on her phone screen, the subject line a stark declaration: “Dr. Albright’s Departure.” A giggle bubbled up, escaping before she could stop it. Sunlight poured through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. This was it. The advisor whose pet projects always seemed to take precedence, whose critiques felt like personal attacks, was finally, irrevocably leaving. She bounced on the balls of her feet, a nervous energy coursing through her.

Her fingers flew across the keyboard, already composing a celebratory message to her study group. Free at last! The thought practically sang in her mind. Now she could actually write *her* thesis, the one that had been gathering dust while Dr. Albright fiddled with her own.

The air felt lighter, the office less oppressive. She pulled on her coat with a snap, suddenly eager to walk the long route home, breathing in the crisp autumn air. She had choices now, the freedom to choose her own path.