Gemotions

The announcement blazed across Maya’s screen, a bold headline in the professor’s newsletter: *Dr. Lee to Pursue Opportunity Elsewhere*. The words seemed to vibrate, mocking her. She stared at the message, her jaw clenched. Her phone vibrated, a notification. She ignored it.

The familiar buzz of the coffee shop across the street usually soothed her, but today the cheerful chatter grated on her nerves. She pushed away from her desk, bumping the chair in her haste. She headed to the elevator and clicked the button repeatedly.

Tears welled in her eyes. She wanted to scream.