Gemotions

Her fingers fumbled with the clasp of her necklace, the tiny silver charm suddenly feeling unbearably heavy. The announcement, plastered on the company intranet, seemed to shimmer before her eyes. The promotion to Head of Marketing? Both her and Mark? Mark, who had been angling for this for years?

A prickle of heat crawled up her neck. She checked the date, again. Yes, it was today. She ran a hand through her hair, smoothing it back from her forehead. This was… unexpected. She'd prepared a presentation, crafted carefully. She was ready to be disappointed. To be offered a little raise and told, “Better luck next time.”

The silence of her cubicle felt oppressive. She could practically feel the scrutiny of her colleagues, the unspoken questions hanging in the air. She stood, pulling her chair out with a sudden clatter. The office floor beckoned.