Gemotions

The constant noise of the call center – the ringing phones, the strained voices, the rapid-fire conversations – grated on Martha's nerves. She hated the sterile environment, the rows of identical cubicles, the blank faces staring at computer screens. The entire operation felt dehumanizing.

She was told to participate in the 'team building exercises' but she refused. She just wanted to be elsewhere.

She focused on her task, determined to make minimal contact with the employees around her. She didn't want to touch anything, breathe the air. She tried to concentrate on the words in front of her. It was a struggle.

She took deep breaths through her mouth.