Gemotions

Claire traced patterns on her desk with her pen, the repetitive motion a desperate attempt at control. The company's impending sale, announced that morning, hung over the office like a dark cloud. She felt as though something heavy was sitting on her shoulders.

She had always been a diligent employee, ambitious and eager to please. She'd meticulously crafted her career, step by careful step. Now, all that planning seemed fragile, threatened by forces outside her control.

She closed her eyes, the familiar scent of the office air, the stale coffee and recycled air, making her feel trapped. She longed to run far, far away. She opened them again and saw the faces of the people who surrounded her. She knew she couldn't.