Gemotions

"Unbelievable." John spoke the words aloud, the sound tight and strained. He stared at the email, a knot forming in his stomach. He'd worked so hard, put in so much time. It felt like a personal affront. His hands were clenched so tightly, the nails were digging into his palms.

He got up from his chair. He walked to his window. He turned away from his desk. He found himself running his hands over his hair, again and again. He grabbed the nearest object, a stress ball, and squeezed it until his knuckles turned white. It offered little relief.

He muttered to himself under his breath, repeating phrases such as, "This is impossible," "How can this be?" and "What now?"