Gemotions

The newcomer, a woman named Janet, was bubbly and energetic, like a caffeinated hummingbird. It was infuriating. I, Robert, had built my career, painstakingly, over fifteen years. Now, this… this person, was going to take over. I had always been proud of my work. Now I felt bitter.

The training session began with a tour of the factory floor. I pointed out the various machines, explaining their functions with a dry voice. I skipped over the quirky details, the little adjustments that made the equipment run smoothly.

Janet kept asking questions, but I answered them in brief, clipped sentences. "Just follow the manual," I said, even though the manual was outdated and full of errors.

I walked a bit faster than her, never looking back.