Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the accounting department seemed brighter than usual, reflecting off Amelia’s suddenly clammy palms. She gripped her mug of lukewarm coffee a little tighter as Mr. Henderson, his usual jovial self, clapped her on the shoulder. “Ready to show young Tim the ropes, Amelia?”

She could only manage a nod, her throat feeling constricted. Tim, the replacement, was already there, impeccably dressed and radiating an unnerving level of composure. He was sitting at her desk, the one she’d occupied for seven years.

Amelia felt her legs wobble slightly as she began, pointing to the spreadsheets. Her voice came out a little higher than normal. She felt a strange tingling in her chest, a mixture of pride and something akin to disbelief that this was, indeed, happening. She’d always thought she'd be here forever.