Gemotions

The weight of the world had settled on Maya's shoulders, crushing her. She tried to eat lunch, but the food felt like sawdust in her mouth. She pushed the plate away, the aroma of the sandwich, once appealing, now nauseating.

She'd spent the last year working closely with Dr. Anya, the only woman in the department. Dr. Anya was more than just an advisor; she was a beacon of support, a source of unwavering belief. Now that beacon was being extinguished.

Maya kept replaying the conversation in her mind, the details etched in her memory. She was in denial. Why hadn't she been consulted? The world tilted; the hallway became a blurring mess of colors. Each step felt labored, and she had to fight the rising tide of tears threatening to spill over.