Gemotions

The office felt too bright, too loud. Maria's head pounded. She’d spent countless late nights, working on the presentation. Now, her effort, her expertise, meant nothing.

The news felt like a physical blow. She could feel the blood rushing to her ears. The room was spinning.

She excused herself from the celebratory lunch, mumbling something about a prior appointment. She found herself in the stairwell, leaning against the cool metal railing, trying to steady her breath.

She closed her eyes, and a single tear escaped.