Gemotions

The elevator ride felt interminable. Amelia stared at the numbers ticking upwards, each floor a fresh pang of regret. She'd been so dismissive of the younger employees, the ones who’d voiced their concerns, the ones who’d smelled the impending doom. She'd told them they were being dramatic, that they were overreacting.

Now, she felt the weight of her own words. They echoed in her mind.

She ran her hand over her face, feeling the familiar lines of stress etched into her skin. She had been so focused on projecting an image of competence, of strength, that she'd lost sight of what truly mattered: the people, the community she had helped build.

The doors opened, and she stepped out into the lobby. She felt a tremor run through her.