Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. James had the urge to pick up the phone, to call his advisor and beg him to reconsider, but of course, it was pointless. He already knew.

He walked aimlessly, his boots scuffing the pavement. He thought about the endless arguments they'd had about the structure of his thesis. He'd always believed he knew best.

He paused by a bench overlooking the campus, and noticed the leaves falling from the trees, a melancholy rhythm. He should have cherished those arguments, those opportunities for learning.