Gemotions

Clara stared at the phone, willing it to stop ringing. The relentless chirping was a torment, a prelude to something she wasn't ready to face. It was the CEO. She knew what this call was about.

She’d spent the morning staring at a blank spreadsheet, her mind a jumbled mess. Each potential scenario spun through her mind, each one a different kind of failure. She knew the other person in consideration was a fast learner.

Her breathing was shallow, rapid. She reached for a pen, clicking it repeatedly, the sound echoing in the silent room. Finally, with a sigh, she picked up the receiver. Her voice sounded strained, a weak echo of her usual confident self.