Gemotions

The meeting ended, and Sarah excused herself with a tight smile that didn’t reach her eyes. The air in the conference room seemed thick, suffocating. She couldn’t breathe. She needed to escape. Outside, the midday sun felt like a spotlight, highlighting the hollowness that had suddenly consumed her.

She walked quickly, her shoulders hunched, avoiding eye contact. The laughter of her colleagues as they discussed the news grated on her. She imagined herself punching the wall, just to feel something other than this crushing disappointment.

She ducked into the ladies’ room, locked the stall, and let the tears flow. It was like a dam had broken.