Gemotions

"Did you hear?" The question came from across the cubicle farm, a breezy, cheerful tone. John flinched. He should have known. The news would be everywhere. He forced a smile and offered a curt nod, his gaze fixed on his screen. He felt a tight band around his chest.

He avoided his colleague's gaze for the rest of the afternoon. He ate lunch alone, his appetite gone. He replayed every interaction, every presentation, every email he'd sent, searching for clues to what he'd done wrong. The feeling of being exposed and lacking.