Gemotions

The university memo was curt, the phrasing deliberately vague. Dr. Ito, the esteemed archaeologist, was "pursuing other opportunities." Clara stared at the email on her phone, her fingers tapping a restless rhythm on the screen. Other opportunities? That meant funding. Possibly better digs. More likely, a strategic career move that would leave *her* floundering. She had spent a year working in Ito's lab, poring over artifacts, her future tied to his. A deep breath. She went back to her work, but the data felt flat, uninspired, the excitement drained.