Gemotions

"Ready to hit the ground running?" Her new boss in the human resources department had asked with a grin. The cheerful tone grated on Jessica's nerves.

She felt a knot forming in her stomach as she reviewed the HR policies manual. Each page seemed to present a new complex situation, a new rule to master. Her head felt heavy, and her concentration wandered.

The office, with its open floor plan and constant activity, was a source of persistent distraction. She found herself retreating to the restroom frequently, needing a moment to breathe. The clock on the wall seemed to tick in slow motion.