Gemotions

The elevator doors opened, and Emily stepped out, her breath catching in her throat. She gripped her purse so tightly her knuckles were white. The new hire, Jason, was making more than she did. After all the hours, all the late nights, all the sacrifices.

The fluorescent lights seemed brighter today, the office air thinner. She walked to her desk, the click of her heels echoing in the sudden quiet of the morning. It felt like everyone was watching her. She forced a smile, but it felt stiff and unnatural.

She fumbled with her keys, her hands clumsy. The feeling of being trapped, of being adrift in a sea of ever-increasing expenses, slammed into her. The familiar weight on her chest felt heavier than ever.