Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, usually a source of comfort, only intensified the tightening in Thomas's chest. He looked at the woman, his trainee, Carol, with a feeling of deep internal pressure.

"Alright," he managed, his throat suddenly dry. "We start with the… the budget reports." He opened the file, his hand slightly unsteady. He felt a strange, cold dread wash over him.

He spoke about the figures, the spreadsheets, the deadlines, but all he could focus on was the slow, steady march of time. Each shared detail felt like a parting, each explanation bringing him closer to an unknown abyss.