Gemotions

The email arrived, a digital dagger. "Congratulations, Emily..." The subject line was a slap in the face. She slammed her laptop shut, the sudden action reverberating through the otherwise quiet apartment.

Every achievement, every late night spent working, every sacrifice – all rendered meaningless. She'd trusted in the meritocracy, in the system. How naive she was.

She pulled her hair back from her face, the action more violent than necessary. The apartment, usually a refuge, now felt like a cage. The injustice of it all clawed at her insides.