Gemotions

The meeting was a disaster. The atmosphere was thick with tension, with murmurs and worried glances. The CEO's voice, usually booming, was strained, apologetic. Her stomach twisted into knots. The words, "strategic realignment," were a euphemism, she knew, for job cuts.

She avoided making eye contact with anyone, afraid of what she would see. She could feel her pulse racing. She felt suddenly lightheaded, as if the ground beneath her feet was unsteady. She struggled to keep her composure, to appear professional, but inside, she was unraveling.