Gemotions

The email, a curt announcement from the CEO, felt like a physical blow. Amelia reread it, the words blurring before her eyes. The sale. All the late nights, the sacrifices, all leading to… this? She pictured her team, the faces she'd come to know and care for.

She walked towards the team's shared space, her footsteps slowing as she neared the open-plan office. The usually vibrant atmosphere was subdued, replaced by a nervous energy. She saw Ben, a junior developer, staring blankly at his monitor. Amelia went to his desk and sat next to him. "Everything is going to be okay," she said, squeezing his shoulder.

He looked up, and she saw the relief in his expression. "Do you really think so?" he asked. She did not lie, "I hope so." She sat beside him, wanting to give him a reason to think optimistically.