Gemotions

The email arrived at 8:03 AM, precisely three minutes after she’d poured her first cup of coffee. The subject line: “Promotion Opportunity.” Amelia reread it, the words blurring slightly. Her fingers tightened around the ceramic mug. David, the guy who always showed up late and whose presentations were notoriously disorganized, was also on the list? Her stomach felt like a knot.

She stared out the window, the city a dull gray this morning. Amelia had worked tirelessly, staying late, taking on extra projects, always striving to excel. David? He spent half his time chatting by the water cooler. A wave of bewilderment washed over her, leaving her feeling unsettled and off-kilter. The aroma of coffee no longer provided the usual comfort.

“Seriously?” she muttered under her breath, a knot forming between her eyebrows. The thought of this outcome was utterly perplexing.