Gemotions

The coffee tasted like ash in Clara's mouth. She cradled the lukewarm mug, watching the steam curl and dissipate, just like her enthusiasm for this job. She felt the urge to sink into her chair, to simply vanish. Today, she was supposed to be a teacher, a mentor. She was supposed to share her expertise, her knowledge.

Her replacement, a young woman with a ponytail and a notebook, sat opposite her, radiating enthusiasm. Clara forced herself to sit up straight, to meet the other woman's gaze. The air in the room felt thick, heavy with unspoken expectations. She cleared her throat, the sound a dry rasp. "Okay, let's look at the customer relationship management software."