Gemotions

The clack of the keyboard and the comforting glow of the monitor were a soothing balm to Elara. She’d spent the last few months working on the project, and she was almost ready to show Mr. Chen the code. She practically hummed as she walked toward his office, a spring in her step. Today, finally, she'd get feedback.

His office was vacant. The space felt cold. There was a single email waiting for her. *Elara,* it read. *I've accepted a position elsewhere. I have confidence in your abilities. - Mr. Chen.* She slowly lowered herself into her chair, the air suddenly thick and hard to breathe. The monitor's glow seemed to diminish.