Gemotions

A grin, wide and impossible to contain, stretched across his face as he read the announcement. He slapped the table, the force rattling his half-empty coffee mug. Dr. Evans, the bane of his academic existence, was retiring! A whoop, a genuine, uninhibited whoop, escaped his lips, drawing a surprised look from the librarian. He didn't care.

He immediately began drafting a list – a list of potential new advisors, all of whom seemed far more amenable to his research interests. He imagined presenting his work, actually being heard, and not facing a wall of condescension.

He felt a sudden urge to buy something frivolous, a new gadget, perhaps. He glanced at his worn backpack and decided to treat himself. The weight he hadn't realized he had been carrying, suddenly lifted.