Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous drone that matched the churning in her stomach. Sarah smoothed down her skirt, a nervous habit she couldn't seem to break. Across the desk, Liam, her supposed replacement, tapped away at the keyboard, his posture relaxed, his movements confident. She felt a phantom weight on her shoulders, a pressure that seemed to increase with every passing keystroke.

"So, the client management system..." she began, her voice cracking slightly. She cleared her throat and tried again, "The client management system… it's really quite straightforward, once you get the hang of it." The words felt hollow, inadequate. She wished she had never been asked to do this.

Liam nodded, his gaze unwavering. He had the kind of casual assurance that Sarah had always envied. It was like he already knew everything. A wave of heat washed over her, making her palms sweat. She felt a strong urge to leave the room, to escape the scrutiny of his bright, capable gaze.