Gemotions

The sterile white of the IT department seemed to reflect the hollowness inside her. Sarah stared at her reflection in the darkened screen of her monitor, a ghost staring back. Her usual vibrant red lipstick had faded, and her eyes appeared shadowed. She felt a profound weariness, a bone-deep ache that even a full night’s sleep couldn't mend.

The department head called her in for a meeting. She knew, somehow, what was coming. The transfer to customer relations was confirmed. It was presented as a promotion, but she found herself feeling nothing.

Later, she walked toward her new office, the hallway blurring, the murmur of voices echoing. The prospect of facing more people, pretending to be energetic, filled her with a sense of dread.