Gemotions

The news report, flashing on the television in the common room, displayed his advisor, Professor Ito, shaking hands with a university administrator. A caption underneath read: "Professor Ito accepting a new position at the University of Chicago." Mark’s breath hitched. He had spent months working to get his thesis underway.

He felt a deep sense of injustice. The years of effort, the late nights, the unwavering dedication to his research, felt instantly trivialized. The room around him appeared to spin; the television screen became a swirling vortex. He wanted to scream.

He switched off the television, the action feeling futile. The image of Professor Ito, the man he'd placed so much trust in, remained etched into his mind. He knew he'd always remember the day his carefully constructed future crumbled.