Gemotions

The notification buzzed on Liam's phone: a department-wide announcement. His breath hitched for a moment as he read the subject line. Professor Thorne’s retirement, effective immediately. He allowed himself a small, private fist pump. The knot in his stomach that had been a constant companion for the last year began to unravel.

He spent the rest of the day in the library, poring over stacks of books that had previously felt like a chore. Now, each page turned was a step forward, a new path opening. He started outlining his new proposal, ideas flowing freely. He felt a need to move, to do. He walked for miles that evening, his stride long and purposeful, under a sky bursting with stars.