Gemotions

The email made her teeth ache. The blatant disregard for her years of service was appalling. She felt a bitter taste on her tongue, and her hands began to tremble.

She went to the bathroom and stared at her reflection. Her face was tight, her eyes wide and haunted. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to compose herself.

When the new recruit, a young man with too much enthusiasm, introduced himself, she could barely manage a nod. Her responses were curt and devoid of any warmth. Every word felt like a tiny act of rebellion.