Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office buzzed, amplifying Clara’s internal turmoil. She slumped in her chair, a mountain of discarded sticky notes surrounding her. The air was thick with the scent of stale pizza and unfulfilled promises. She had poured her heart and soul into this, sacrificing nights, social engagements, even her health. The entire endeavor had become her life.

Her phone vibrated on the desk. A message from her boss. "Urgent meeting, regarding the project." Her blood ran cold. She went. There, projected on the screen, was *her* presentation. Except, it wasn't hers. It was from another employee. Identical.

Clara felt a weight settle on her chest, heavy and crushing. The air felt thin. She struggled to breathe. Everything, her aspirations, her sacrifices, felt null. It was unbearable.