Gemotions

The email sat in Amelia’s inbox, unread, for three days. Each morning, she’d see the subject line, “Advisor Departure,” and a knot would tighten in her stomach. She’d scroll past it, pretending not to notice. Her fingers drummed against the wooden desk, a frantic tattoo. Finally, she clicked on it. Her advisor, Dr. Chen, was leaving for a position at a prestigious research institute across the country. A wave of heat washed over her, making her palms sweat. She tossed the phone onto her bed, then picked it up again, checking for messages even though she knew there were none. She needed to walk. Needed to *move*.