Gemotions

He saw it, his essay, staring back at him from a prominent spot on the alumni magazine's website. It was an example for prospective students, of course. His essay on the profound effect his professor had on him. He felt a sudden, unexpected heat in his cheeks, and he took a sip of his already cold coffee.

He remembered the hours spent in the library, the late-night talks, the way his professor always pushed him to think harder, to dig deeper. He remembered the feeling of being challenged, the exhilaration of learning, the quiet respect they shared. It felt so long ago now.

He glanced at his own work, now a relic of the past, a snapshot of his younger self. He felt a strange pang of fondness. A single, silent thought: he should reach out and say thank you.