Gemotions

David, relaxed in his favorite armchair, flipped through the pages of a well-worn book. The quiet rustle of the pages and the scent of aged paper were balm to his soul. He had earned his spot and worked hard to get where he was. It was a good life.

Then the alert flashed on his computer screen: the company was being purchased. He lowered the book, his fingers tracing the smooth cover. His brow furrowed as he scanned the announcement. A chill ran down his spine.

The room seemed to shrink, the sunlight, once golden and welcoming, now felt harsh and unforgiving. He took a shallow breath, feeling as though the air had been sucked from the room. The book slipped from his grasp and landed with a soft thud.