Gemotions

The email notification blared, a digital shriek that cut through the quiet of his workshop. He stared at the screen, his face draining of color. The words blurred before his eyes. He felt a peculiar pressure building in his chest, as if a large weight had suddenly settled upon him.

He reread the confirmation, each syllable a blow. He knew, he'd had a feeling… but to see the reality of it. He slumped against the workbench, the metallic tang of his tools suddenly making him feel sick. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple. He slowly lowered his head to his folded arms.