Gemotions

The announcement sat open on Maya’s computer screen, a stark white rectangle against the familiar background of her thesis draft. Professor Olsen, the person who had encouraged her to pursue her PhD, was taking a position in industry. A wave of sorrow swept over her, a deep understanding of the change that she knew he was also feeling.

She imagined his office, the messy desk, the stacks of grant applications, the framed photos of his children. She knew how much he loved the students, the intellectual sparring, the academic life.

She made a cup of coffee and found herself looking through their old emails, remembering his helpful feedback, the way he always listened to her ideas. She felt an unexpected urge to reach out, to reassure him that his legacy would live on.