Gemotions

Sarah pushed her chair back from the desk, the scrape of the legs grating on her nerves. The fluorescent lights overhead seemed to buzz louder than usual, a constant, irritating drone. She felt a profound lack of motivation, a deep weariness that had settled in her bones. Even the prospect of the corner office, the power, the pay raise – it all felt distant, irrelevant.

Her fingers traced the rim of her coffee cup, the ceramic cold against her skin. The words “Potential Regional Manager” mocked her from the email on her screen. She’d worked so hard, played the game, done all the right things, and now… well, now it just felt like another hurdle to jump.

“Ready for the meeting, Sarah?” John asked cheerfully from the doorway. He was always so… upbeat. She forced a smile, a fleeting contortion of her lips. “Yep,” she replied, her voice flat. "Just grabbing my notes." She knew her chances weren't great.