Gemotions

Her breath hitched as the manager introduced her to Ben. He was the one taking her job. A wave of heat washed over her face, and she felt a prickling sensation begin at the nape of her neck. He looked… competent. Too competent. His handshake was firm, his smile genuine.

"Welcome aboard," he said, his voice deep and calm. She managed a weak smile in return.

The first few hours were a blur of training manuals and software tutorials. She felt like she was drowning in information. The tightness in her shoulders became almost unbearable. She felt her hands growing clammy, her palms slick against the desk. Ben, however, seemed to absorb everything effortlessly. He asked intelligent questions and made insightful observations.

Later, she found herself avoiding his gaze, the words catching in her throat whenever he addressed her. The thought of her leaving, of being relegated to the unemployment line, made her want to run and hide. She excused herself, claiming a headache. Outside, she took several deep, shaky breaths, trying to regain some semblance of composure.