Gemotions

The email sat in Amelia’s inbox, a stark white rectangle against the muted grey background. Her hand trembled as she hovered the cursor over it. The subject line: “Promotion Opportunity.” A coldness prickled across her skin, making the hairs on her arms stand on end. She hadn't expected the announcement so soon.

She glanced at Mark across the office. He was grinning, already typing furiously. Amelia felt a knot tighten in her stomach. It wasn’t a healthy sensation. She couldn't breathe properly.

Amelia clicked the email and scanned the details. Her vision blurred, and the words seemed to swim on the screen. The deadline for applications was next week. Next week. She swallowed hard, the muscles in her throat constricting.