Gemotions

"Did you hear?" The question, spoken by a coworker, sliced through the air. "Mario's is shutting down." His stomach clenched. He pretended to be engaged in the meeting, but he couldn't focus. He had been planning on going back all week, and he had forgotten.

He felt the gaze of the others, like a weight on his shoulders. He felt a deep sense of embarrassment. He should have cared more. He should have prioritized. He felt the need to disappear.

He excused himself from the meeting early, the words echoing in his head.