Gemotions

The stagnant air grew heavy with the unspoken. Emily shifted from foot to foot, the silence amplifying the rhythmic thud of her own heartbeat. David, her coworker, was leaning against the wall, offering helpful advice to the new, bubbly assistant.

The assistant's hair seemed particularly bouncy today.

Each suggestion, each nod of agreement, each shared smile between them, sent a fresh wave of heat through Emily’s veins. She busied herself checking her phone, though there was no signal.

She overheard David talking about the promotion, the one she'd been working so hard for. His tone was casual, as if the opportunity had just fallen into his lap. Emily felt a knot of resentment form in her gut. She could barely manage a polite response when David finally turned to her.