Gemotions

The email arrived late on a Friday evening, nestled amongst the usual junk and departmental newsletters. Maya, already in her pajamas, was about to settle in for a night of Netflix. Instead, she sat bolt upright in bed, heart racing. She had to reread the message three times to be sure she wasn't misinterpreting.

A cold wave washed over her, and she wrapped her arms around herself, as if trying to ward off the chill. She felt disoriented, her mind reeling. Her carefully laid plans for the next year felt suddenly tenuous, the foundation crumbling beneath them. She switched off her laptop, the screen reflecting her wide, pale face.