Gemotions

A sharp ache throbbed behind Liam’s eyes, a persistent companion in these later stages of thesis writing. He had been dragging himself to the library for weeks, a zombie among the stacks. He arrived at the university early on Friday, and was just about to settle into his usual corner when he saw the flyer posted on the door. Dr. Chen’s name, bold and confident, the word “departure” prominent underneath.

He crumpled the flyer, his hands shaking slightly. Everything felt like an uphill battle. Just yesterday, he had stared at his computer screen for hours, the cursor blinking mockingly, the words refusing to come. Now, the weight of the task pressed down, making him feel leaden. He sank onto a nearby bench, the metal cold against his skin, and rubbed his face. He felt like he was running on fumes.

He had spent the last two years thinking that this advisor could guide him, and suddenly it all felt pointless.