Gemotions

The text message – “Dr. Abernathy is out!” – arrived just as David was staring at a blank page. A genuine, unrestrained chuckle bubbled up from his chest. He stood up, stretching his arms high above his head, feeling the tension evaporate from his muscles. Freedom!

He abandoned his writing for the afternoon, going to the park. The sunlight felt warmer, the birdsong clearer. He felt an urge to run, to embrace the sheer expanse of open space. The burden of his advisor’s constant criticism had vanished.