Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum with a particularly irritating frequency today. Bethany, her jaw clenched, pointed at the coffee machine. "Right, so first, you fill it with water. Not *too* much. You don't want to water down the brew. God forbid." She watched the newcomer, Sarah, fumble with the water reservoir, her expression carefully blank. The air around Bethany felt thick, like a stifling summer day.

Sarah, beaming, asked, "How long should I let it brew for?" Bethany sighed, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet space. "However long it takes. It's not rocket science." She turned back to her computer, the click of the mouse a deliberate, sharp counterpoint to the younger woman's nervous energy.