Gemotions

The elevator doors hissed open, and David stepped out, his stomach a tight knot. He clutched the manila folder tighter, his knuckles white. The sterile fluorescent lights of the Marketing department hallway seemed to amplify the silence. He hadn't spoken to anyone in his old department for a week, not since the email. A wave of unease washed over him as he approached the glass doors of his new office. He hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and pushed them open.

The open-plan office buzzed with activity. Everyone seemed to have a purpose, a place. He saw a few faces staring at him, and he gave a weak smile. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple. The new manager, Sarah, was already waiting for him at a desk. She gestured toward a chair with a smile, but his legs felt like lead.

"David, welcome!" Sarah said, her voice bright. He managed to force out a "Thank you," his throat scratchy. He sat down and tried to focus on her words, but he couldn't stop wondering where he'd be sitting, how he'd fit in.