Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a relentless, irritating drone that seemed to mirror the emptiness she felt. Sarah stared out the window, watching rain streak down the glass, blurring the city skyline. Today was the day. The day she had to show this…this *person*… the ropes. The woman, bright-eyed and brimming with energy, bounced in, introducing herself with a smile that felt like a pinprick. Sarah just nodded, her throat tight.

"So, what do you need me to start with?" the new hire asked, her voice cheerful. Sarah pointed towards the mountain of paperwork on her desk. "That. That's a good place to begin." Her voice was flat, devoid of any enthusiasm. She felt a deep, dull ache in her chest.

The hours ticked by slowly. Each question, each eager observation from the replacement felt like a fresh blow. Sarah found herself retreating further into herself, her shoulders slumping, a faint tremor in her hands as she mechanically explained the tasks.