Gemotions

The world seemed to shrink around her. Maria, normally calm and collected, found herself unable to focus on anything beyond the words in front of her. The email, detailing the error, sat on her desk like a coiled viper. She felt a sudden need to flee, to escape this situation, but she was frozen in place.

Her pulse quickened, each beat a drumbeat of panic. She could feel her cheeks flush hot. The air in her office felt thick, difficult to breathe. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to find some measure of composure.

Opening her eyes, she reached for the phone, the cold plastic offering little comfort. Her fingers trembled as she dialed the number, praying for a resolution.