Gemotions

Sarah bounced on the balls of her feet as she walked into the breakroom, the aroma of fresh coffee promising a perfect start to her day. She felt a lightness in her step and hummed along to the music playing in her earbuds. She was genuinely pleased with the new marketing campaign she’d been spearheading; it was a success. She poured a mug of coffee, its warmth spreading a comfortable sensation through her hands.

A conversation drifted toward her earshot. “They are paying you what now?” It was David, a relatively new hire, talking on the phone.

Intrigued, she edged closer, pretending to be engrossed in her phone. "Yeah, I know, I was shocked, too! But hey, I'm not complaining." David's voice boomed with clear amusement.

She set down her mug. “David, congratulations on whatever it is. You seem quite pleased.” David grinned, a wide, easy expression.

“Thanks, Sarah! Got a pretty sweet offer for the new role. And the salary… well, let’s just say I was pleasantly surprised." Sarah’s own stomach did a sudden flip, not from coffee, but from something entirely different. She forced a smile and retreated to her desk, the coffee now tasting bitter.