Gemotions

“Right, well,” Susan began, her voice brittle. “Let’s get started.” She handed the newbie, a woman named Carol, a stack of outdated manuals. The office felt stifling, the fluorescent lights seemed to glare. Each piece of information was provided with a minimum of enthusiasm.

Susan kept her replies brief, using single words whenever possible. The entire experience of handing over her job was a bitter pill to swallow. She avoided Carol’s gaze, busying herself with unrelated tasks, her movements jerky and abrupt. Her jaw felt tight.