Gemotions

The announcement was a slap in the face. Professor Ito was leaving the university. My ambitions, my plans, my *entire future* had been built around his presence. I felt a wave of cold rush through me.

I immediately pictured the other graduate students. Each one of them a threat. Each one of them a potential barrier between me and the rewards I was due. I felt a surge of rage, a desperate need.

I had spent my time wisely. Building up a favor bank. I planned to cash in, and now I had to do so immediately. What could I get? A guarantee? An exclusive offer? Something, anything, that would secure my future.