Gemotions

“Congratulations on the publication, Sarah!” The colleague’s voice, full of unwarranted excitement, grated on her nerves. Inside, a coiled spring threatened to release. She felt a tight sensation in her chest, a feeling of prolonged… restraint. She managed a thin smile.

She nodded. "Thank you, Mark." The hallway seemed to stretch endlessly before her. She needed air. She walked toward the fire escape, her pace measured, her breathing steady. The cold air hit her face, crisp and clean. She would speak to her editor when she was prepared to. She would not react impulsively.