Gemotions

"So, what do you think?" The words caught in Anya's throat. She gestured toward the architectural model, her hand trembling slightly. She was supposed to present the final design to the board today. But her anxiety was through the roof.

She had to do this.

Her mentor, Ms. Ito, had always been there, a steady rock of calm expertise. Now, just a notice on the studio door: "Leaving for an extended sabbatical." No contact, no guidance, just…gone. The sudden departure had left Anya reeling. The pressure of the deadline, the weight of the project, all felt amplified without her mentor's quiet support.

She felt a tightening in her chest, a difficulty in breathing. Her palms were damp. The board meeting was in an hour, but her mind felt like a chaotic jumble. She wished she had talked to her. She wished she could ask for her input.