Gemotions

Her hands were shaking as she reread the rejection email, the words blurring. They'd said she lacked 'leadership potential.' She'd led the sales team to record-breaking numbers last quarter. A fresh wave of anger washed over her, a deep knot forming in her stomach. She slammed her laptop shut.

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum with an irritating buzz. The air felt thick, stifling. She rose from her chair, and strode past the open-plan office, heading for the vending machine. She bypassed the regular snacks, her usual comfort foods. Instead she grabbed the most aggressively sugary, artificial concoction she could find: a day-glo orange soda.

She sat in the break room, alone, the soda’s fizz a poor imitation of the fury bubbling inside her.