Gemotions

Sophia’s hands were ice cold, even though the office felt stuffy. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, a habit she thought she had outgrown. Across the room, Michael, her competitor, was laughing at a joke. His laughter was too loud, too effortless.

The silence around her felt thick, suffocating. She couldn't focus on her work; the numbers on the spreadsheet swam before her eyes. Each notification, each raised voice, was a fresh jab.

She pushed her chair back, the screech of the wheels echoing in the room. She needed to get out, to breathe some fresh air, to find some semblance of calm. She reached for her bag, her fingers fumbling with the zipper.