Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the breakroom seemed to hum with a newfound tension. Sarah, normally indifferent to the stale coffee, felt her stomach churn. A terse email had circulated an hour ago, "Important Announcement – All Hands Meeting – Tomorrow." That was all it took. Whispers had already begun, weaving through the cubicles like a nervous current. She knew, somehow, this was the end of an era.

She walked towards the CEO's office. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she went. She didn't have to be told to suspect a takeover; she had the company's best interest at heart. The receptionist, usually a cheerful presence, looked stricken. "He's in a meeting," she mumbled, avoiding eye contact. Sarah leaned in close and said in hushed tones, "I need to know what's happening."

Rebuffed, she refused to stand down. She stormed into the supply closet and grabbed a dry-erase marker. Then, she marched to the main floor. Where the office's main message board lived. On it, she wrote, in bold, capital letters: “WE DESERVE ANSWERS.” Then, she smiled; at least she tried. She could feel the stares. She’d done something that she needed to do.