The email sat in her inbox, unread for nearly an hour. Amelia replayed the last conversation she had with Professor Davies, a casual exchange about the upcoming conference. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, a nervous habit she hadn't realized she still had. Her fingers danced over the mouse, hovering above the delete button. He had just… disappeared. Gone. Without a word. The thought sparked a chill that spread from her toes to the roots of her hair.
She finally clicked the email open. The short message confirmed her sinking feeling: *Retired, effective immediately. Best of luck.* No explanation, no forwarding of work, nothing. Just… *gone*. Amelia’s breath hitched. She felt a sudden, strange tightness in her chest, a pressure that squeezed the air from her lungs. She leaned back in her chair, the sudden silence of the office amplifying the pounding of her heart.
A bead of sweat trickled down her temple. She hadn't even thought to check his office. It was a pilgrimage, a daily ritual to sit at her desk and then visit him, even if it was just to ask for another coffee. Now, the thought of his empty office – the closed door, the lack of light – made her stomach churn.