Gemotions

The meeting was abrupt, the room's energy thick. Mark, the lead software developer, felt the knot in his stomach tighten as the CEO delivered the news. The air seemed to be sucked out of the room. The faces around him had gone pale. He stared at his hands, watching his knuckles whiten. He blinked, trying to focus.

He thought of the plans, the projects he was so close to finishing, the late nights fueled by instant noodles and code. He felt a hot flush creep up his neck. What was the point, now?

"So…," the CEO continued, his voice strangely flat. Mark didn't hear the rest. He stood abruptly, excusing himself without a word. He needed air. He walked out of the conference room and found himself needing to lean against the wall in the hallway.