"I appreciate hearing your assessment of the semester. Between that, your student evaluations, and this committee's discussions, I have a clear impression of your progress." Dr. Ellison consults her notes. "While you've had exceptional results with your research as well as your teaching, your service efforts as chiefly represented by your work on the symposium have been extremely lackluster. With a slight re-focus of your efforts, you will be on track for tenure."
On the whole, it's not the worst news you've ever received. Your stomach unclenches. You hadn't realized how nervous you were coming into this meeting.
As if the universe has to undercut any good news you get, your headache roars back to life. The whispered voices from last night return.
"Dr. .?"
Dr. Ellison has been trying to get your attention for some time. You try to ignore the voices, even as they resolve into a single voice. "Yes, Dr. Ellison?"
The voice drowns out her next words with its own. "We talk now."
Oh, Shit