Gemotions

The elevator doors opened, and Maria stepped out, but the familiar lobby was…wrong. The light was brighter, the sounds sharper, everything felt amplified. The email had sunk deep, a stone in her gut. She should be heading to her team meeting, but the thought of it was repulsive.

She found herself walking towards the water cooler, the rhythmic gurgle oddly comforting. She filled her cup, then just stood there, staring at the water. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt like this, so…unanchored.

She ran a hand through her hair, a nervous gesture she often did when stressed. She felt a profound need to be alone, to sort through the jumble inside.