Gemotions

The email notification chimed, a small, crystalline sound that felt like a hammer blow against Emily’s skull. A wave of nausea washed over her, making her lightheaded. She swiveled in her chair, gazing at the pristine order of her desk, suddenly finding it all deeply unsettling. Every organized file, every labeled folder, now seemed pointless.

She pushed her chair back, the wheels scraping harshly against the carpet. The air conditioning blasted, but she felt a prickle of sweat on her forehead. The hallway outside was filling with people, their voices low and agitated, a murmuring tide pulling at her. She felt trapped.

Emily found her mouth dry. She needed to get out. She grabbed her bag and practically ran towards the elevator, her heart thumping a frantic rhythm against her ribs.