Gemotions

The elevator ascended slowly, each floor a tick of the clock. Emily tapped her foot, the metal echoing in the confined space. Mark, fresh from business school, had practically skipped onto the elevator, bubbling with excitement. He'd just secured a significant bonus, he’d said. Emily could feel the pressure behind her eyes.

She watched him, noticing how he carried himself, the way his expensive watch caught the light. He looked so… confident. So, unburdened. A wave of dizziness washed over her.

When the elevator doors finally opened, she hurried out, needing to breathe. The air outside felt thin and unsatisfactory. Walking to her desk, she felt the familiar burn of resentment starting in her chest.