Gemotions

The coffee tasted like ash in Amelia's mouth. She’d made it an hour ago and had barely touched it. Her jaw was clenched, a dull ache radiating to her temples. The promotion was on everyone's mind, a coveted position in the marketing department. She and David, the other contender, were both known for their diligence.

She flipped through the budget report for the tenth time, the numbers blurring. Each line, each percentage point, seemed to mock her. David had a way of charming the higher-ups, a quality she lacked.

“Amelia, you alright?” Mark, her team lead, had a concerned expression. She forced a smile. “Just… buried in paperwork.” The lie hung heavy in the air.