Gemotions

The email arrived like a poisoned dart. Sarah stared at the subject line, her jaw clenching so hard she could feel the muscles in her neck protesting. “Promotion Announcement.” It had been a foregone conclusion, at least in *her* mind, that she'd be the one. Years of late nights, successful project completions, and mentoring junior staff – all for *this*?

She slammed her laptop shut with a force that made the monitor tremble. A headache blossomed behind her eyes. Then, she stood, knocking her chair backward in the process. “Unbelievable,” she muttered, her voice tight with suppressed fury. She needed air. Now.

The office felt suddenly suffocating. She grabbed her coat, not bothering to look at anyone as she stormed toward the exit. The fluorescent lights overhead seemed to hum with a mocking energy.