Gemotions

The final manuscript lay on the desk, the words of his mentor, Professor Blackwood, carefully annotated in the margins. He had promised to review it. To celebrate its completion. To see it published. Now, the office was empty. The university had sent an email, a generic notification of retirement. Nothing more.

John stared at the email, a knot forming in his throat. He’d spent years under Professor Blackwood's guidance, learning, growing, absorbing everything he could. The casual dismissal felt like a personal affront. His hands shook as he picked up the manuscript, the weight of it suddenly unbearable. He felt the cold start in his toes.