Gemotions

The rhythmic tapping of Amelia’s pen against the table was the only accompaniment to her thoughts as she meticulously edited her manuscript. The small, sun-drenched cafe offered the perfect sanctuary for her creative flow. The soft chatter of other patrons was a gentle background noise.

She glanced up from her work as her phone buzzed. A message from her friend, another PhD student, read, "Did you hear about Professor Jones?" Her stomach, normally settled, didn't clench.

Amelia found the announcement online. Professor Jones, her advisor, was retiring early. She took a slow sip of her latte, the warmth spreading through her body. The shock, if any, was minimal. She thought about her project and the path she'd forged. She'd adapt. The warmth lingered. She’d just have to be more independent.