Gemotions

The air conditioning blasted, creating an arctic chill. She shivered, but it wasn't from the cold. Maria forced a smile as she explained the intricacies of the customer database to the newcomer, Ben. The smile felt brittle, fake.

Each time Ben asked a question, it felt like a deliberate provocation. She answered in monosyllables, keeping her gaze fixed on the computer screen. She avoided eye contact with him.

She considered telling him about the forgotten password, the one that only she knew. She imagined the chaos that would ensue. The thought brought a grim satisfaction.