Gemotions

He hadn't even known. The email was terse, informing them of Professor Davies's retirement. The words blurred before Ben’s eyes. He had been so busy, so consumed with his own ambition, he’d failed to notice the subtle signs, the growing weariness in Professor Davies's voice. The lecture hall was empty.

He went to the library, to their usual spot. He knew the professor's favorite reading material, so he looked for it. He held the book close, and tried to remember his professor's lectures. He should have been a better student, he should have asked more questions. His chest ached with a sudden, sharp pain.