Gemotions

The published essay under “Dr. Evelyn Reed” felt like a physical blow. The work was his, the culmination of years of study. But the immediate fury subsided, replaced by a dull ache in his chest. He imagined Dr. Reed, a woman he knew was a respected figure, a woman with a long history in the field.

He knew she was older, that she had a legacy to protect. He thought about her life, the challenges, the expectations. He re-read the article, picking apart the sentences, the nuances. He looked for her hand, her subtle touches.

He slumped back in his chair, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He found himself thinking about her, not with anger, but with a complex mix of feelings. He closed his eyes, and the image of her face appeared.