Gemotions

The gentle rhythm of the train, clicking along the tracks, had lulled Clara into a state of quiet contemplation. The deadline for her literature review was comfortably distant, and she’d spent the past few days exploring her favorite park, sketching in her notebook. She’d planned a weekend trip to visit her family, looking forward to the familiar comfort of home.

She scrolled through her messages, a lazy smile playing on her lips. A new email from the university popped up, its subject line reading "Important Information for All Graduate Students." She hesitated, a prickle of unease creeping up her spine, even before she read the words. Professor Lee, her advisor, had accepted a position elsewhere.