Gemotions

The email landed with a thud in her inbox. “Professor Davies to Depart.” Her jaw clenched so hard she thought she might crack a molar. She took a deep breath, the air in the stuffy office feeling suddenly thin. Months of work, countless revisions, late nights fueled by lukewarm coffee – all hanging precariously on the whims of university politics. She slammed her laptop shut. This was just great.

The walk back to her apartment felt longer than usual, each footfall a heavy protest against the sidewalk. She kicked a loose pebble, sending it skittering across the pavement. The world seemed to be conspiring against her. The sun was too bright, the birds were chirping too loudly, and her stomach felt like it was doing somersaults.