Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. Dr. Chen’s departure. Maya’s hands trembled as she deleted the email, then immediately opened it again, needing to see the words again. She'd told herself she'd been busy, that lab work had taken priority. She’d always intended to catch up, to schedule those extra meetings.

The library felt suffocating. The air seemed thick with unspoken accusations. She avoided the familiar faces of her fellow students, afraid to meet their eyes. They’d worked hard, and she… had not.

She finally opened the document, staring at the empty screen, the cursor blinking. It felt like a taunt.