Gemotions

The meeting had concluded, but the implications still echoed in her ears. "We're confident you can bring Bethany up to speed." They *were*? The thought was a crushing blow. She thought about Bethany, bright-eyed and eager, the next generation already taking over.

She returned to her desk, a leaden weight in her gut. She glanced at the pile of tasks she'd been putting off. Now, it felt like she had to do all of it perfectly, to act like she knew what she was doing.

She felt a strange disconnect. Her body moved, she typed, she answered emails, but none of it felt real. It was all a performance. The world felt muffled, distant, her own thoughts scattered and chaotic.