Gemotions

The congratulatory cheers and backslapping that filled the office felt like a physical assault to Elena. They were all for Brian, the one who’d gotten the director position. Her breath hitched in her throat as the office around her celebrated.

She excused herself from the throng, muttering something about a headache. The excuse tasted like ash in her mouth. She retreated to the women's restroom, leaning against the cool tiles of the wall.

Looking in the mirror, she saw her face pale, her lips pressed into a thin, tight line. She splashed cold water on her face, but the icy water offered no solace. The reflection stared back, the image of a defeated woman.