Gemotions

The celebratory champagne flutes clinked, the sound grating on Carol's ears. She forced a smile, but the edges of her lips trembled. She wanted to scream.

Her head throbbed. She clutched the edge of her desk, the cold surface providing no solace. The thought of facing the rest of the day filled her with dread.

She felt a hot flush creep up her neck. She excused herself, feigning a sudden headache. The air outside was cold, but she felt no relief. She wanted to scream at the sky.

She felt like she was trapped in a cage. Her future, once so promising, now seemed bleak and uncertain. She couldn't see a way forward.