Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down Amelia’s temple. This was it. The announcement was imminent. The CEO, Mr. Henderson, cleared his throat, the sound amplified in the hushed boardroom. Amelia stared at her meticulously manicured nails, each one a monument to wasted effort. She’d spent weeks perfecting her strategy, pouring over the figures, staying late every night. Her heart thrummed against her ribs, a frantic, trapped bird.

The CEO began to speak, and Amelia felt a strange lightness in her stomach. Sarah’s name. He said Sarah’s name. Amelia forced a smile, the muscles in her face strained. She offered a quick, congratulatory nod to Sarah, and a low murmur of approval escaped her lips.

Later, Amelia found herself staring blankly at her computer screen, the bright glow reflecting in her widened eyes. She felt a strange buzzing in her ears.