Gemotions

"Welcome to the legal department, Mr. Jones!" The senior partner's words echoed in the cavernous office. Thomas felt a prickling sensation across his scalp, a warning signal. He found himself squeezing his hands into fists. He had spent his career as a librarian, happily surrounded by books.

The sheer volume of law books, the hushed tones of the lawyers, the sharp smell of old paper and ink — all of it felt suffocating. He wanted to retreat, to disappear. He felt a lump forming in his throat, making it difficult to speak.

He attempted to compose himself. He repeated, internally, the instructions that had been given to him earlier. He needed to be calm, professional, and confident, but the very act of trying to appear so only made the pressure build.