Gemotions

Sarah kept her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The new hire, David, was a whirlwind of energy, already chatting with everyone in the office. It was like he was trying to replace her in more ways than one, and fast. The thought of it made her stomach lurch.

The break room was brightly lit, and the aroma of stale coffee hung heavy in the air. Sarah picked at a loose thread on her sweater. David, oblivious to her internal turmoil, rambled about his previous job.

She found herself observing his every move; the way he smiled, the way he held his pen, the way he effortlessly navigated the complex software she had struggled with for years. She realized she was comparing her own perceived shortcomings to his confidence, an increasingly awful process.

"And then, you just..." David trailed off, looking at her expectantly. Sarah blinked, startled. “Yes,” she replied quietly. “Yes, exactly.”