Gemotions

The elevator doors opened, and Emily ducked her head, avoiding eye contact with Mark, who was now her supervisor. The news had spread quickly, the joy radiating from his face like the light from a beacon. She’d been so sure, so certain.

The ache in her jaw was a constant reminder of how tightly she'd been clenching her teeth since the announcement. She'd found herself volunteering for the most mundane tasks, anything to avoid the inevitable conversation about the new structure of the team.

That evening, she cancelled her plans, ordering takeout and watching mindless television, a dark cloud settling over her. She knew she should have been more supportive, less competitive. The realization felt heavy.