Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a relentless, irritating soundtrack to her forced cheerfulness. “So, as I mentioned, the key thing is the customer database,” she chirped, her voice brittle. Inside, a storm brewed, threatening to erupt. Every forced smile felt like a physical strain, her jaw aching. The new hire, a fresh-faced kid barely out of college, nodded eagerly, scribbling notes with annoying precision. She wanted to scream.

She gestured towards the screen, her hand trembling slightly. It was a movement she couldn't control. They sat side-by-side, the new hire and she, for the better part of the morning. It felt suffocating. They could have been twins. She felt a burning sensation in her chest, like a furnace ready to explode.

"Any questions?" she asked, her voice tight, the words barely a whisper. The kid looked up, bright-eyed. "No, I think I've got it!"