Gemotions

The office buzzed with the excited chatter of the new hire, Emily. Everyone was making small talk, welcoming her, offering coffee. She saw the new hire looking at her, and gave a weak smile.

She, on the other hand, was not pleased. She watched them, a knot twisting in her stomach. What had she done wrong? She had worked hard, always gone the extra mile. The company had always seemed pleased with her.

She had been promised a promotion last year. She glanced at the clock on the wall. 1:17 pm. She retreated to her cubicle, the walls closing in. The fluorescent lights overhead seemed to hum with a mocking energy.