Gemotions

The words, so carefully chosen, seemed to reverberate in her skull. Maria had to reread the email several times. Professor Silva was departing. She felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She had trusted him, confided in him, considered him a mentor.

She let out a harsh, involuntary laugh. The audacity. After all the encouragement, all the pats on the back, now this. She found herself gripping the edge of the desk, knuckles white. The air felt thin, difficult to breathe.

She looked at the clock. Time. What did time matter anymore? She could feel a flush creeping up her neck, her blood pounding in her ears.