Gemotions

The email landed in Sarah's inbox like a lead weight. "Effective immediately, Sarah Miller will be transitioning to the Accounts Receivable department." She reread it, her jaw tight. *Transitioning?* That was corporate-speak for demotion. After five years of solid performance in marketing, this felt like a slap in the face.

She crumpled the email in her hand, the paper crackling like a warning. Her stomach churned as she walked down the hall to see her boss, Mr. Henderson. His office door was closed, a silent barrier. She knocked, the sound echoing in the sterile hallway.

He greeted her with a smile that felt pasted on. "Sarah! Come in, come in! Good news, isn't it?" The forced cheerfulness did nothing to soothe the knot in her chest. She stood stiffly, her arms crossed, barely managing a terse nod.