Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a relentless, irritating drone that amplified the prickling sensation at the back of Amelia's neck. She gestured toward the spreadsheet, her hand feeling oddly heavy, as if made of lead. "So, this is the budget projection for Q3. As you can see..." The words felt thick in her mouth, difficult to form. Across from her, the replacement, Sarah, scribbled notes with an unsettlingly calm demeanor. Amelia’s stomach churned.

Amelia kept her gaze fixed on the screen, avoiding Sarah's bright, inquisitive eyes. A tremor ran through her arm as she pointed out a particularly complex chart. It was a tremor that she quickly hid by taking a deep breath and trying to remember the points. She just wanted the day to be over.

She cleared her throat. “Any questions?” Silence. Sarah smiled encouragingly. Amelia thought she might scream.