The Moon Promised Change. My Data Stayed the Same

The world outside says it’s a time for big decisions, that the Strawberry Moon is supposed to crack something open. I read the horoscope push notifications between failed runs, like maybe the universe owes me a sign that’s easier to interpret than these error bars. Sagittarius is supposed to mean freedom, adventure, new starts. But I’m still here, watching the same protocol loop for the fifth time, hoping for a breakthrough that never comes. The only thing that changes is the number of unread emails from my advisor. Everyone else seems to be manifesting something—travel, new jobs, sleep. I’m manifesting the courage to admit I’m tired. The moon is low in the sky tonight. I wonder if anyone else in this building is staring at it, asking if they’re allowed to want out. #LabBurnout #ScienceFatigue #ImposterInTheRoom #Science