Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous drone that felt like it burrowed into Amelia's skull. Each keypress on her keyboard was a monumental effort. Coffee, usually her fuel, felt like sludge in her veins. She rubbed her eyes, feeling the grit of sleeplessness. The promotion announcement hung over the office like a specter, and she knew David, her colleague, was also in the running.

She watched him across the room, bouncing with energy as he pitched an idea to their manager. A sharp stab of annoyance ran through her. She had poured so much of herself into her projects, staying late nights and weekends. Now, everything felt heavy.

Her stomach churned with a sudden lurch. Lunch was long gone, and it felt like she had been sitting at her desk for a week. She closed her laptop, her fingers numb. Maybe she should just go home.