Gemotions

A restless energy coursed through Marcus. He couldn’t seem to settle, pacing the narrow confines of his cubicle. The air felt thick, the office unusually quiet, save for the incessant whir of the air conditioning. He kept finding himself staring at the door to the conference room, where the higher-ups had been holed up all morning. The normally mundane tasks of his day, like compiling spreadsheets, felt impossible to focus on.

He reached for his phone, then quickly retracted his hand. He hadn't called his wife yet, but he knew he should. A gnawing discomfort tightened his stomach. The rumors, the whispers of trouble, were growing louder. He considered feigning illness and going home.

He watched his colleague, Sarah, through the cubicle wall. She seemed to be having a similar reaction. Her face was flushed, her movements fidgety. They exchanged a look of shared unease. Just as he was about to speak, Sarah abruptly stood, grabbing her bag. "I'm going for a walk," she said, her voice unusually tight. He nodded, but the urge to join her was overwhelming.