Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the breakroom hummed, a soundtrack to Sarah's jittery energy. The email, so casually worded, sat open on her phone: "Company Acquisition – Further Details to Follow." Her fingers drummed a frantic tattoo on the chipped Formica table. She re-read the sentence. Acquisition. The word tasted of opportunity, of potential. She pictured herself, not just surviving the reshuffle, but thriving.

A bead of sweat trickled down her temple. The coffee in her cup, already cold, felt suddenly repulsive. She needed to know more, and fast. The stock options – they'd been so close to vesting. A quick scan of the employee directory. Yes, Mr. Henderson, CFO. A quiet word, a helpful suggestion… She pushed back her chair, a sudden determination coursing through her.

The door handle of Henderson's office felt cool and smooth under her palm. She’d always admired the man's shoes, the way they gleamed. Now, they were a part of something else.