Gemotions

"So, you'll be showing Ashley the ropes," the supervisor had said, a casual shrug accompanying the announcement. Emily felt a distinct flush rise in her cheeks. The words had taken root in her, blossoming into a thorny fear. She glanced at the manual, dog-eared and stained with coffee, and felt a wave of despair wash over her.

She tried to concentrate as Ashley, armed with a pad and pen, sat opposite her. But her mind was a whirlwind. Each question, each request for clarification, seemed to amplify her inadequacy. Her hands trembled as she attempted to demonstrate a basic task.

The fluorescent lights in the office suddenly felt oppressive. The ticking of the clock seemed to amplify, a relentless countdown to her own obsolescence. She wanted to scream.