Gemotions

The email sat in Amelia's inbox, radiating a strange heat. It was from Professor Davies, her advisor, and the subject line was short and blunt: "Departure." She clicked on it, her fingers clumsy on the mouse. The words blurred before her eyes, an announcement of his resignation and a short, heartfelt, farewell. She blinked, the room tilting slightly. Was this real? She reread the email, each sentence a stab of disbelief. Her carefully constructed research plan, her upcoming defense – all seemed suddenly precarious. The coffee in her mug was cold, a metallic taste coating her tongue.