Gemotions

She walked into the office, the air heavy with an unspoken understanding. Everyone knew. They avoided her gaze, their smiles and chatter laced with a careful awkwardness. She felt like an exhibit.

She made her way to her desk, the routine motions robotic. She tried to appear composed, but her hands trembled as she organized her files. Her own actions felt like a betrayal. She felt shame.

The phone rang, the shrill sound making her jump. It was her mother, calling to congratulate her. She held the phone tightly to her ear, the words a jumble of noise. She forced a smile and a cheerful tone, but her voice cracked with the strain of deception.