Gemotions

"Alright, people, let's get this done," Marcus announced to his team, clapping his hands together. His voice boomed through the open-plan office. The presentation was tomorrow, and he was ready. He had rewritten his portion of the script three times, each version better than the last. His recent promotion was solid proof of his abilities.

He headed toward the executive suite, already rehearsing his opening remarks. He needed a final sign-off from Ms. Eleanor, his mentor, to make it official. The door to her office was slightly ajar. "Ms. Eleanor?" he called, his voice laced with the assuredness of success.

The office was empty. The usual collection of framed awards and congratulatory letters was gone. A single, small envelope lay on her desk, addressed to him. Inside, a brief note: "You've got this. Good luck. – Eleanor." He felt a strange sort of heat creep up his neck.