Gemotions

Eliza walked through the quad, the familiar landscape seeming foreign and distant. The cheerful chatter of students playing frisbee felt like a soundtrack to someone else’s life. Her advisor, Dr. Lee, had accepted a position overseas.

She kept replaying the email in her head. It was a good opportunity for Dr. Lee. Why did it have to feel so difficult? She felt it in her bones, a deep and unyielding ache.

She’d spent the last year working on her research. Now, she was lost, unsure of what to do next. The sunlight, previously a source of joy, now felt harsh, mocking her unease. The vibrant colors of autumn seemed to amplify her internal grayness.

She sat on a bench and watched the squirrels chase each other, their energy a stark contrast to her own inertia.