Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small kitchen, a smell that always brought a sense of calm to Sarah. She carefully spread butter on a warm slice, a habit she savored each morning. The world felt manageable, everything in its place.

The office-wide announcement popped onto her screen, a stark contrast to the comforting warmth of the kitchen. "Acquisition," the headline declared. Sarah’s grip tightened around the bread, the crust now cutting into her palm.

She stared blankly at the words, her toast forgotten. The sunny kitchen felt suddenly dim, the clatter of the nearby street a deafening roar. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic, frantic drumbeat against the silence.