Gemotions

The elevator ride felt like an eternity. Inside the glass box, Sarah’s reflection stared back, a mask of forced composure. The new hire, a bubbly twenty-something named Jessica, chatted incessantly about team-building exercises. Sarah could only manage a strained smile.

The mere thought of Jessica taking over, of seeing her in Sarah’s office, using Sarah’s equipment, and, worst of all, interacting with her colleagues felt utterly disorienting. Her own career, the years of work and dedication seemed suddenly inconsequential.

She clutched her handbag tightly, nails digging into the leather. The elevator doors opened onto the familiar office floor, and suddenly, the world tilted.