Gemotions

The email arrived, subject line: "Promotion Announcement". Sarah’s breath hitched in her chest. She smoothed down her skirt, a nervous habit she hadn’t realized she had. The office buzzed with hushed whispers, each one amplified in the sudden quiet of her own mind. She replayed the last quarter's projects, the late nights, the strategic presentations. A little tremor ran through her hands as she clicked the mouse, anticipation tightening her jaw.

The email's text was short, direct. It wasn't her. A wave of disappointment threatened to wash over her. But then, a flicker. A memory of the senior manager's encouraging words during the performance review, the knowing glance. She straightened her posture and opened up her emails, ready to send a congratulatory note to her colleague. She knew that the next opportunity would come.