Gemotions

The elevator doors chimed open on the sixth floor, and Amelia's stomach lurched. The fluorescent lights of the marketing department seemed to buzz louder than usual, a high-pitched whine that grated on her nerves. She clutched the manila folder tighter, the edges digging into her palm. Her breath hitched as she navigated the unfamiliar maze of cubicles, each one a potential audience for her discomfort.

“Amelia, right? Welcome!” A woman with a bright smile and an even brighter magenta blazer stepped forward. “I’m Brenda, your new team lead. Come on in; we’ve been expecting you.” Amelia forced a smile of her own, the muscles in her face feeling tight and unfamiliar.

The small, windowless office felt like a pressure cooker. Brenda chattered amiably, but Amelia could barely register the words. Her gaze darted around the room, taking in the overflowing in-trays and the posters plastered on the walls. She fought the urge to flee.