Gemotions

The elevator ride felt like an eternity. Emily fiddled with the strap of her bag, her knuckles white. The promotion was on everyone's mind, a subtle undercurrent of competition that ran through every conversation. Her breath hitched as the doors opened on her floor.

She found herself avoiding the usual route to her desk, choosing a longer, more circuitous path. The familiar office space seemed unfamiliar, the faces of her colleagues suddenly scrutinizing. She felt like she was being watched.

Later, she found herself staring at the blank page in front of her, the cursor blinking impatiently. The words wouldn’t come. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic rhythm that echoed the churning in her stomach. The silence in her office felt heavy, oppressive.