Gemotions

The email arrived like a rogue wave. Sarah’s hands, usually steady as she typed, began to tremble. Her name, alongside Mark’s, sat in bold lettering under the subject line: “Promotion Opportunity.” She reread it, the words blurring slightly. A flush crept up her neck, a heat that seemed to originate from the pit of her stomach. She’d always assumed Mark, with his effortless charm and golf outings with the boss, was the clear favorite. Why her?

She swiveled in her chair, gazing out the window at the bustling city below. A knot formed in her chest. Had her quiet dedication, the countless late nights spent perfecting presentations, finally been recognized? Or was this some kind of error? A mistake that would soon be corrected.

Her phone buzzed. It was Mark. “Hey, seen the email?” he said, his voice laced with a strange inflection.