Gemotions

The elevator doors opened onto the seventh floor, revealing the bustling hub of the Sales department. The noise, the chatter, the sheer number of people… it was overwhelming. Emily, formerly of the quiet archives department, felt a wave of nausea wash over her.

She quickly hid behind a large pillar, her pulse hammering against her ribs. Every pair of eyes seemed to be fixed on her, judging, evaluating. She felt her face flush, heat creeping up her neck.

She closed her eyes briefly, trying to summon the strength to move, to navigate this new world. She pictured her desk, the stacks of folders she knew so well, the comforting silence of the room. It felt so far away.

Her legs felt like lead. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders, and forced herself to walk forward.