Gemotions

Sunlight streamed through the open window, warming Elias’s face as he stretched, a long, luxurious yawn escaping him. He tossed aside the covers, a lightness in his step as he headed to the kitchen. The coffee machine gurgled happily, promising the day's first dose of caffeine. He hadn’t felt this… *buoyant* in months. This morning, anticipation hummed in his veins, a tingling eagerness to get started on his project. He’d barely slept, buzzing with ideas. Then the email arrived: Professor Armitage had quietly retired. No farewell, just a brief, impersonal announcement. A strange sense of… liberation flooded him. He poured his coffee, a small smile playing on his lips. This was a new beginning.