Gemotions

The elevator doors opened onto a sterile hallway, and Clara felt a tightening in her chest. Her mentor, Mrs. Dubois, had been her everything at the publishing house. The news was a week old now: a short, impersonal email regarding early retirement. Clara, though, still couldn't bring herself to go to the office. Every time she got near, a wave of heat would flood her cheeks and a tremor would shake her frame. The silence in the staff room, formerly punctuated by Mrs. Dubois's booming laughter, felt deafening. She found herself unable to meet the eyes of her colleagues. She was certain they were all aware of her utter defeat.