Gemotions

The coffee tasted like ash in her mouth. She forced herself to take another sip, trying to appear nonchalant while explaining the complexities of the filing system. Her stomach churned. The very idea of the new hire understanding this system was like a sharp knife twisting inside her.

She had rehearsed this presentation a hundred times, but her mouth felt dry, her tongue thick and clumsy. She watched the new employee's face, the slight furrow of the brow as they absorbed the information. The young woman’s focus was disturbing.

She excused herself to "go to the restroom," the relief so profound it almost made her dizzy. She leaned against the cool tile wall, gasping for air, the world spinning. When she returned, she felt slightly more composed, yet the doom loomed like a thundercloud.