Gemotions

The announcement came through a muted Teams call. The words, "merger and acquisition," echoed in my ears. The small apartment I’d worked in for years suddenly felt smaller. I felt a tightening in my gut, a physical manifestation of my unease.

I gripped the edge of the kitchen table, my knuckles turning white. The gentle sunlight that had been filtering through the window now seemed stark and unforgiving. I found myself staring at a dust mote dancing in the light, unable to look away.

I hadn't saved enough. My expenses were too high. This sale had changed the equation and I now felt a hollowness. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, but the air felt thin and inadequate. It would be a long day.