Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow to Javier. Professor Klein was leaving. Another opportunity gone. He slumped in his chair, the weight of the rejection pressing down on him. He hadn't been worthy of a strong advisor. He had known, of course, that his progress was slower than others.

He stared at the drafts strewn across his desk. The pages seemed to leer at him. His research felt inadequate. He’d probably let the professor down. He should have been more prepared, more insightful. He let out a long sigh, the sound echoing in the silent office.

He reached for the half-empty coffee mug, the lukewarm liquid doing nothing to soothe his inner turmoil. He was a failure. He had let everyone down.