Gemotions

The world seemed to shrink around me as I read the email. My cubicle, usually a familiar haven, suddenly felt claustrophobic. My vision swam a little. The words, "Engineering Department," seemed to leap off the screen and assault me. My hands felt clammy.

I pushed away from my desk with a jerk, the chair scraping loudly against the carpet. I had no affinity for engineering, absolutely none. The very thought made my chest constrict. I needed air.

I stumbled toward the break room, grabbing a plastic cup, and filled it with water, but my hand shook so violently, half of it spilled on the floor.