Gemotions

The first thing that caught Michael's attention was the noise. The constant chatter and ringing phones in the Sales department were a stark contrast to the quiet of the library where he'd been working. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm his racing heart.

He picked at the corner of the desk, the cheap laminate peeling away under his fingernail. His palms felt clammy, and he wiped them surreptitiously on his trousers. He had to make a good impression, he knew that. But he had no idea where to start.

He looked around, trying to find a friendly face, someone he could ask a simple question. But everyone seemed preoccupied, busy in their own worlds. He felt a tremor run through him. His new supervisor, Brenda, had told him to “hit the ground running.” He wondered if they meant literally.