Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum a mocking tune, a constant reminder of the news. Sarah stared at her computer screen, the words blurring. Her jaw was tight, and she could feel the familiar thrumming in her temples. She hadn't blinked in what felt like an hour.

She swiveled in her chair, the squeak grating on her ears. Across the room, Mark was already celebrating with a small group, laughter echoing in the otherwise quiet space. It was the promotion she'd worked so hard for, the one she'd poured countless hours into. Now, the bitter taste in her mouth was almost unbearable.

Her hand clenched into a fist on her desk. She wanted to scream, to lash out. Instead, she took a deep, shaky breath and forced a smile, a mask she knew she'd have to wear for the rest of the day.