Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a relentless background noise that seemed to amplify the silence in Sarah's head. She watched, hands clasped tightly on the table, as Michael, her replacement, fumbled with the software. Each error message that popped up on the screen felt like a fresh wound. She should be excited, maybe even relieved. She'd landed the dream job, the one she’d been chasing for years. Yet, a heavy weight sat in her chest, pressing down with each passing keystroke. The offer had come at a cost, a subtle, unspoken trade.

Michael looked up, a question in his eyes. Sarah forced a smile, a gesture that felt foreign, almost painful. “It’s okay, we all mess it up the first few times,” she managed, her voice tight. The lie felt thick on her tongue. It was far from okay.

Later, walking home, the autumn air felt cold, but not refreshing. The crunch of leaves under her feet felt like a chorus of small criticisms. The new job would be great. She'd get more money, work on projects she loved. But looking in the mirror at home she could only see a stranger staring back.