Gemotions

The email arrived, a digital serpent slithering into Elias's inbox. Subject line: "Promotion Consideration." His stomach clenched. He swiveled in his chair, staring out the window at the perpetually grey sky. The promotion. He’d craved it, worked for it, sacrificed for it. Now, it felt like a trap, a gilded cage.

He reread the email. The wording was vague, corporate-speak designed to obfuscate. His palms were slick, and he wiped them on his trousers. He imagined Sarah, his colleague, already mentally composing her acceptance speech. He could practically hear her confident, practiced voice.

Elias got up and paced the tiny confines of his office. He had to be prepared. But prepared for what? To fail? The thought sent a cold shiver down his spine. He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging a few stray strands. He needed coffee. Now.