Gemotions

The notice arrived via interoffice mail: "Effective immediately, Ms. Eleanor Vance is transferred to the Data Entry Department." Eleanor crumpled the paper in her fist, the brittle edges scratching her palm. Data Entry? After five years in Marketing, where she'd thrived, where she’d built her reputation? It was a blatant demotion, a maneuver she saw right through.

Her first act was to ignore the summons to the new department head. Instead, she spent the morning meticulously organizing her desk, a small act of rebellion in the face of this absurdity. She rearranged the potted succulent, the framed photo of her dog, the motivational quote: “Bloom Where You Are Planted.” She almost laughed, a bitter, hollow sound.

Lunch was eaten at her old desk, surrounded by familiar faces and the scent of freshly brewed coffee. They murmured their sympathy, but their words were just noise to her, a distraction from the tight knot forming in her stomach. She knew she was sending a message.