Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the conference room seemed to hum louder than usual. Sarah fiddled with the pen in her hand, clicking it repeatedly, the sound echoing in the sudden quiet. Across the polished mahogany table, Mr. Henderson, the CEO, was explaining the company's new strategic initiative. His words felt distant, almost blurred, as if filtered through a gauze. Sarah knew, with a certainty that settled in her stomach like a lead weight, that this meeting was about her and David. The promotion. Her palms were slick.

David, ever the picture of composure, leaned forward, nodding attentively. His tie was perfectly knotted, his smile practiced. It was a stark contrast to the churning inside Sarah. She managed a weak smile, hoping it didn't betray the turmoil she felt. The weight of the moment was almost unbearable.