Gemotions

The news hit Olivia like a punch to the gut. Professor Ito, who had always been her biggest supporter, was retiring. She found it hard to believe. She knew this was a good thing for him. She still felt an overwhelming sense of sadness. Her hands began to tremble.

She thought of his kind smile, his patient guidance, the way he always made her feel like she was capable of anything. She recalled his gentle voice, his encouragement. The room seemed to grow smaller.

She scrolled through old emails. She reached out to his former students and they all felt the same.