Gemotions

The email landed with a thud in Amelia's inbox, the subject line a stark white against the grey background. Promotion Consideration: Amelia Chen & David Miller. She felt a sudden, inexplicable heat bloom in her chest, followed by a dizzying lightness in her head. Her fingers fumbled as she clicked it open, the words blurring before her eyes.

She leaned back in her chair, the leather creaking in protest. Her breath hitched, catching in her throat. David? Really? He was competent, sure, but… she'd poured her heart and soul into this company for five years. She’d stayed late, taken on extra projects, even volunteered to clean the coffee machine when no one else would.

A coldness settled in her stomach. She stared at the screen, the cursor blinking mockingly. Her meticulously organized desk suddenly felt foreign, the stacks of reports and color-coded files mocking her efforts. She closed her eyes, and a wave of nausea rolled over her.