Gemotions

The congratulatory messages filling her inbox seemed to mock her. "Great news, Sarah!" "Good luck!" Each notification felt like a fresh wound, a reminder of the impending competition. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the noise, the pressure. Her stomach churned.

She couldn't bring herself to reply. She felt trapped, suffocated by the well wishes. The air in her cubicle, usually filled with the comforting smell of coffee, now seemed thick and stale. Her hands trembled as she deleted the messages one by one.

The thought of facing her colleague, of engaging in the unspoken battle, was unbearable. She had to get away. She pushed back from her desk, the sudden movement causing her head to swim. She grabbed her bag and fled the office, ignoring the calls of her team members. She simply needed to escape this moment.