Gemotions

“Congratulations, both of you,” the words had hung in the air, echoing in Elena's ears even hours later. The words were supposed to be congratulatory, but they sounded more like a prelude to a battle.

She felt a deep ache in her chest. She found herself rearranging the pens on her desk, again and again, anything to occupy her hands. The familiar rhythm of work had always steadied her, but today it was failing. Every task felt like pushing a boulder up a hill.

She had to remind herself to breathe. The pressure in her chest intensified, making her throat tight. She tried to picture the end of the day, but everything remained an indistinct blur.