Gemotions

The notice had been delivered this morning, a crisp white rectangle that landed on Amelia’s desk like a death sentence. The Research and Development department. She’d heard whispers about it, a labyrinth of white coats and hushed conversations about things she couldn’t even begin to grasp. Her hands, usually steady as she typed up expense reports, now trembled.

She stared at the clock. Tick. Tick. Each second felt like an eternity, the hands mocking her immobility. A wave of nausea rolled over her, making her stomach churn. The thought of leaving the familiar hum of the accounting department, the comforting order of spreadsheets, and stepping into the unknown made her palms clammy. She pressed her fingertips together, trying to ground herself, but it was no use.

“Amelia?” Her boss, Mr. Henderson, stood in the doorway, his brow furrowed. She swallowed hard, wishing desperately she could disappear. “Ready to go over your transition?”