Gemotions

The familiar scent of lavender from her diffuser filled Chloe’s meticulously organized home office. She had spent a quiet, productive morning updating the company’s website. She felt a deep sense of contentment, a well-being she cherished. That afternoon, during a casual chat with the interns, one of them, a recent hire, excitedly mentioned their starting wage.

Chloe's jaw tightened. She took a deep breath, clutching the plush blanket she kept on the back of her chair.

Her pulse quickened. The carefully curated ambiance of her office, usually a source of calm, now felt oppressive, the walls closing in slightly.