Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow, a punch to the gut. Emily sat frozen, her breath catching in her throat. Professor Anya, her advisor, the woman who had nurtured her passion for literature, was leaving. Everything suddenly felt wrong.

She pushed back from her desk, the sudden movement causing a wave of dizziness. She stumbled to the window, staring out at the vibrant campus, now appearing muted and gray. The air felt heavy, difficult to breathe.

She thought of the countless hours she'd spent with Anya, dissecting novels, sharing ideas, feeling a sense of belonging. The thought of facing the final year of her PhD without Anya’s counsel brought a fresh wave of nausea. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to find some semblance of comfort.