Gemotions

The brightly lit training room seemed to magnify every sensation. Maria sat across from the woman who would replace her, trying to suppress the tremors in her hands. She carefully laid out the documents, the training manual. The manual was a work of art, and it felt like she was handing her baby to a stranger.

Maria tried to focus on her words, but her voice cracked occasionally. Each piece of information she shared, each piece of advice, felt like a farewell. A leaden feeling settled in her gut as her replacement, Susan, confidently took notes.

The day ended. Maria gathered her belongings and left the office, not looking back. The streets outside suddenly looked so unfamiliar, so vast.