Sarah’s fingers tightened on the ceramic mug, the heat a small comfort against the chill that had settled in her bones. Professor Davies’ email, announcing his departure for a prestigious position at a university in California, sat open on her laptop screen. He had barely mentioned it, a fleeting comment during their last meeting about a ‘possible opportunity’. Now, the opportunity was real, and Sarah, who had poured years into her PhD under his guidance, felt her stomach clench. He was going to a place where the sun always shone, research grants flowed freely, and recognition came easily. She had spent countless nights in the library, fuelled by lukewarm coffee and the hope of making a name for herself.
She thought about the upcoming conference, the one where they were supposed to present their joint paper. Now, Professor Davies would be there, basking in the glow of his newfound success, while she would be left to navigate the murky waters of academia alone, a small boat on a vast ocean. A sudden, sharp pang of something unwanted shot through her chest.
“Well, good for him,” she muttered, the words sounding hollow even to her own ears. The mug felt suddenly heavy in her hand.