Gemotions

The coffee tasted like ash in Mark’s mouth. He sat across from Professor Ito in the university cafe, the news of the advisor's move to a private firm still ringing in his ears. He focused on the patterns in the Formica table top, each speck a tiny, irritating detail.

Ito was enthusiastic, detailing the career prospects available at the firm. Mark just nodded, taking shallow breaths. He saw himself, suddenly, as a small boat, adrift on a vast and unforgiving ocean. The prospect of charting his own course, of navigating the complex academic waters without Ito’s guidance, felt like a paralyzing weight.

He kept his gaze fixed on the table, afraid to meet Ito's eyes, afraid the professor would see the storm brewing inside him. He felt betrayed.