Gemotions

"He's *what*?" Mark's voice cracked, and he instantly regretted the outburst. The receptionist, a woman he'd known for years, blinked in surprise. He took a deep breath, forcing a calmer tone. "He’s retired? Without, uh, telling anyone?" The receptionist simply nodded, and Mark felt a familiar tension tighten his neck muscles. He wanted to march into the empty office, rummage through the drawers, find a clue. Instead, he just stood there, the familiar office now feeling unfamiliar and cold. He balled his fists.