Gemotions

The chair squeaked as David stood. He had been staring at the computer screen for the last hour, unable to focus. The news had hit him like a physical blow. He glanced at the stacks of papers on his desk, each one marked with his advisor's red pen.

He recalled their last meeting, how he'd argued with her about a minor point of methodology. He'd been so certain, so arrogant. She’d remained patient, offering alternatives. Now, the memory tasted like ashes in his mouth.

He reached for his phone, and thought to text her. But he closed the messaging app, ashamed. He felt he had wasted a valuable opportunity.