Gemotions

The department meeting felt like a bad dream. Professor Miller, his advisor, announced his move to a position at a renowned think tank. He was taking a step up, gaining influence, and leaving behind the daily grind of teaching. The room erupted in polite applause.

Mark sat stiffly, unable to join in. He’d spent years working on his dissertation, hoping to impress Miller and secure a recommendation. Now, Miller was escaping to a more intellectually stimulating environment, while Mark was left to defend his thesis, with the knowledge of being abandoned. He wanted Miller's career, he wanted that ease, that effortless transition.

He pushed his chair back, his knuckles white as he clenched his hands. The meeting droned on, but he could no longer focus on the words, unable to shake the feeling of being somehow cheated.