Gemotions

The campus cafe seemed suddenly too bright, too loud. Professor Bell was leaving. The realization felt like a heavy stone settled in Liam’s stomach. He’d complained about the workload, the demanding expectations. He had griped. He had been a drain on their meetings.

He watched the steam rise from his coffee, the simple action oddly compelling. He’d considered switching advisors. Now, that seemed petty, selfish. He had been given opportunity. He hadn’t appreciated it.

He imagined the final conversation, the forced smile, the platitudes. He wished, desperately, that he had earned her respect.