Gemotions

The room felt enormous. The portraits of the company's founders on the walls seemed to watch, their eyes following every move. I tried to focus on the words of the presentation, but my mind kept drifting. I kept wanting to leap to my feet and flee.

Across the polished table, John, my colleague, sat with an air of practiced calm. He was the picture of confidence. He nodded, offering a smile, but it felt distant, as if from another planet. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat of anticipation and dread.