Gemotions

Sarah took a running jump onto the bus, landing with a flourish that startled the other passengers. She’d woken up this morning with a lightness she hadn't felt in months. The project, the one her mentor, Mr. Henderson, had assigned, was finally finished, polished, and ready to present. Today, he’d see her brilliance. She pictured his proud smile, the nod of approval she so desperately craved.

The office seemed unnaturally quiet when she entered. The buzz of keyboards and the low murmur of conversations were absent. She headed straight to Mr. Henderson’s office, a grin plastered on her face, ready to share the good news. His door was open, revealing a sparse and empty room. On his desk sat a single, framed picture of him and his wife, and a post-it note: "Gone fishing. Forever. Goodbye."

Her laughter was loud and uncontrolled, echoing through the corridor. The possibilities that opened up before her felt intoxicating. She’d been held back. Now, the path was clear. She spun on her heel and practically flew back to her own workstation, already mentally reorganizing her entire workflow.