Gemotions

Mark stared at the subject line: *Important Company Update*. The monitor screen seemed to warp slightly, the words swimming before his eyes. It felt like the floor had tilted beneath him. *Acquisition by Apex Dynamics*. He felt a chill, despite the warm office temperature.

His breath hitched in his throat. He sat frozen, unable to move, unable to think. His carefully curated desk, usually a source of comfort, now felt like a prison cell. He glanced around the office, at the familiar cubicles and the faces of his coworkers. He suddenly felt alone.

He pushed his chair back, the squeak of the wheels echoing unnaturally loud in the sudden quiet. He needed to get out, to go somewhere, anywhere. His hands shook as he grabbed his jacket. The world, just moments ago filled with predictable routines, now felt uncertain.