Gemotions

The email arrived like a punch to the gut. Dr. Aris would be departing at the end of the semester. Amelia stared at the words, the screen blurring slightly. She'd spent two years under his guidance, feeling a genuine connection to his research and, frankly, to him.

Her shoulders slumped. A fresh wave of fatigue washed over her, making the chair beneath her feel unusually hard. She rubbed her eyes, trying to focus, but the words swam before her. She’d meticulously planned everything, her thesis, her future, all revolving around his mentorship.

Later that day, she found herself lingering outside his office, a half-finished coffee growing cold in her hand. The normally vibrant hallway seemed muted, the posters on the walls mocking her with their upbeat slogans. She considered knocking, saying something, anything, but the words just wouldn't come.