Gemotions

The newcomer, Maria, seemed to effortlessly soak up all of Carol’s hard-won knowledge. The constant questions, the eager attention… Carol felt a tightness in her chest. It was her job on the line.

“This is how we handle customer complaints.” Carol explained, her voice devoid of warmth. She’d perfected the art of the placating phone call over many years. It was part of her identity.

She noticed her hand clenching the edge of the table. Maria was bright, quick-witted, and seemed to grasp everything immediately. The coffee in Carol’s mug had gone cold, and it suddenly tasted metallic.