Gemotions

"Unbelievable," thought Maria, her gaze fixated on the screen. The promotion went to Kevin, a man she’d mentored for the last year. A bitter taste coated her tongue. The irony was almost too much.

She felt a wave of nausea. She leaned back in her chair, the leather squeaking in protest. The air in the office felt thick, heavy, like a suffocating blanket.

Maria found herself mindlessly scrolling through her emails, her eyes skipping over the words. She knew she should send Kevin a congratulatory message, but the thought made her physically ill. Instead, she closed her laptop, gathered her bag and left, taking the scenic route home, where the familiar sights did not offer any comfort.