Gemotions

The meeting ended abruptly, the CEO’s face a mask of practiced indifference. As soon as the words "strategic partnership" left his mouth, a searing heat flared in her chest. She had to clench her teeth to stop a shout. It was so transparent, so insulting.

She waited until everyone else had filed out before she stood up, her legs wobbly. She shoved her chair back with such force that it scraped against the floor. She needed to get out, to be away from the stifling atmosphere, to find some air.

She went to the parking garage. She punched the button to activate the elevator, then leaned against the wall, fighting back the tide of emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. The elevator felt like an eternity.