Gemotions

The news hit her like a physical blow. The article, the culmination of her work, was now attributed to someone else. Her stomach clenched into a hard knot, a painful reminder of the injustice. She felt a cold dread begin to creep into her bones.

She stood abruptly, pushing back from her chair, and paced around the office. The air felt thin, making it difficult to breathe. She ran a hand through her hair, desperate for some kind of tangible relief. She could feel her heartbeat accelerating, a frantic drum against her ribs.

The faces of her coworkers blurred, their voices a distant hum. She felt isolated, alone in a room full of people. The need to disappear was all-consuming. She needed to be somewhere safe. She ducked out of the office, heading for the elevator.