Gemotions

The acceptance letter had been a triumph. Then, the realization of what that meant had hit her like a physical blow. Her professor, the lauded Dr. Thompson, had taken credit for the paper. A paper that would launch her career. Now, his name graced the publication, not hers.

She found herself avoiding his office, his presence a constant source of discomfort. The halls, usually filled with the anticipation of learning, now seemed to press in on her, the walls closing. Every kind word he spoke stung, every casual conversation felt like a betrayal.

One day, she cornered him. She was breathing rapidly. "I don't understand," she began, her voice tight, "How did this happen?" He looked at her with a bland, indifferent expression. She turned and walked away. The injustice was like a dead weight.