Gemotions

The email sat in Amelia’s inbox, a stark white rectangle against the usual flurry of departmental newsletters. Professor Davies was retiring. A wave of ice crashed through her stomach. She reread the message, each sentence a fresh blow. A knot tightened in her chest, making it hard to breathe. Her research, her future… all suddenly felt adrift. She pushed away from her desk, the chair screeching on the linoleum. The library, normally a sanctuary of quiet focus, seemed to mock her with its silent shelves.