Gemotions

The conference room felt colder than usual. She watched as the news spread, the congratulations flying. Her own smile felt forced, unnatural. She'd expected a surge of excitement, a sense of accomplishment. Instead, she felt a hollow ache.

She looked at her own hands, twisting in her lap. They didn’t seem like her hands. It was all a strange performance, a play she didn't know the script for. She felt a growing disconnect, as if the world was on fast-forward while she was stuck in slow motion.

She needed to get out. She stood, mumbled an excuse, and fled the room, the noise and celebration chasing her. She walked through the office, a ghost amidst the party.