Gemotions

The announcement came through at the worst possible moment – just as Michael was making a big presentation. He stopped mid-sentence, his voice catching in his throat. He felt a peculiar tightening in his chest. The carefully prepared slides, the confident delivery, all seemed irrelevant. He tried to continue, but the words wouldn’t come.

He saw the looks of confusion in the faces of his colleagues. He felt a deep flush rise to his face. The presentation felt absurd. He waved a hand weakly. "Um, I think… I think that's all for now," he stammered, his voice thin and reedy.

He quickly retreated to his office, shutting the door behind him. He leaned against it, his breathing ragged. He felt utterly incapable.