Gemotions

“Congratulations,” she said, her voice sounding forced even to her own ears. Professor Bell beamed, his face flushed with the prospect of his new role. He was going to a university with a beautiful campus, a dedicated research team, and a significantly higher salary. She wanted to slap his smiling face, the idea of him getting so much so easily was almost too much to bear.

She’d spent years perfecting her craft, her work ethic relentless. She struggled for every publication, every grant, every opportunity. Now, Bell, who had always seemed to glide through academia with effortless ease, was ascending to the next level, leaving her behind in the dust. The thought filled her with a potent, burning resentment.

She excused herself and went to the restroom. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to cool the furious heat that coursed through her veins.