Gemotions

“Just be yourself,” her mother had advised, but the words tasted hollow in her mouth. How could she be herself when her future hinged on this decision? She felt like a puppet.

The door to the boss’s office opened, and a secretary emerged. Her chest clenched. It was a simple phrase, but it held the power to shatter her world. She felt a desperate need to feel secure.

She needed the approval, the praise, the validation. She didn't trust her instincts. The only thing she knew was that she needed to please the people in charge. Her entire identity felt tied to this one decision.