Gemotions

"Seriously?" Maria's voice was sharp enough to slice through the celebratory chatter emanating from the kitchenette. John, the junior graphic designer, was practically bouncing. He’d landed the big client account. And apparently, he was getting a raise. A raise that put him ahead of Maria.

She pushed her chair back, the screech echoing across the open-plan office. Her fingers tapped a nervous rhythm on the desk, a staccato counterpoint to the boisterous congratulations. What was she doing wrong? She'd been here for years, consistently delivering high-quality work, and yet... this.

The window was cracked, and the wind was whipping the blinds back and forth, making her feel as uneasy as she was.