Gemotions

He stared at the email, the screen blurring slightly. "Speech at Dad's Retirement Party." The words swam before his eyes. A wave of heat washed over him, making his collar feel suddenly too tight. He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands.

The office, usually a haven of routine, now felt suffocating. He could barely focus on the spreadsheet in front of him. His breath hitched in his chest. What if he froze? What if he forgot everything? The thought of the judgment, the potential for public humiliation, clawed at him.

He slammed his laptop shut, the abrupt sound echoing in the otherwise quiet office. He had to get out, he needed to walk, to breathe, to somehow find a way to make this bearable. His escape was immediate.