Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. Dr. Ramirez, my advisor, moving to a different university. I wanted to weep, to rage, to… something. This was supposed to be *my* project. *My* future. Now, it was crumbling before my eyes. I felt a strange heat in my chest, like a furnace had been lit.

I found myself in the campus coffee shop. It was not where I wanted to be, but I went anyway. I approached the barista, not with a usual order, but with a request to make the strongest, most bitter espresso they could offer. She obliged with a confused look. I slammed my fist on the counter, startling her, and took the cup with a careless disregard for the scalding heat.