Gemotions

The email arrived at 9:03 AM, the subject line screaming its importance. Sarah nearly jumped out of her skin, clicking before she could really think. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drummer. The message confirmed it; she was in the running. A whoop escaped her, muffled by her hand. She bounced in her chair, a silly grin plastered across her face. This was it. Years of late nights, sacrificed weekends, the relentless grind, all culminated in this single moment.

She immediately texted her best friend, typing with a speed she didn’t know she possessed. “OMG. The promotion. I’m in the running!!!” The three exclamation points were a testament to her unbridled energy. She could barely sit still. She spun around in her chair, a childish giggle escaping her lips. The office, usually a dull grid of cubicles, felt suddenly vibrant, charged with possibility.

The coffee maker seemed to hum with extra vigor. She needed to focus, to strategize. But the thrill of the chase was intoxicating. She pictured herself already in the corner office, the panoramic view, the power, the responsibility. A deep breath. She had to stay grounded.