Gemotions

He ran his fingers over the cover of his thesis proposal, the words suddenly seeming foreign. The university-wide email: Professor Olsen, his advisor, was leaving. The news struck him like a physical blow, stealing the air from his lungs. He walked to the window, the sun was casting long shadows, but the campus seemed to have lost its charm.

He remembered Olsen's unwavering support, the countless hours spent discussing his research, the way Olsen challenged him to think critically. Olsen had become more than a mentor; he was a friend, a confidante, a source of inspiration. His departure created a void, a sense of incompleteness. He knew he had to find a new advisor, but the prospect felt daunting, a mountain too high to climb. The future, once full of promise, now seemed overcast.