Gemotions

The notification pinged on Maria's phone, the words "HR Update" burning in her eyes. Her fingers fumbled as she unlocked the device, the screen light reflecting in her widened eyes. She'd built her career in the engineering department, and she felt like someone had snatched the rug out from under her feet. Now she had to move to the project management department.

She felt a hollowness in her stomach, a feeling that threatened to consume her. Her hands trembled as she deleted the email. She wanted to scream. She pictured herself storming into her manager's office, shouting, and leaving in a blaze of glory. Instead, she sat frozen, her posture stiff, as if braced for a blow.