Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the lab seemed to close in around him. He watched patiently while Alice, the newest researcher, adjusted the dials of the spectrometer. The machine, like all the others in the lab, was an extension of himself. He had dedicated his entire life to it.

He swallowed hard, feeling a knot forming in his stomach. The thought of someone else taking over his work made him feel uneasy. He forced himself to remain still, watching her every move.

Alice glanced at him, her smile bright and encouraging. "Anything else you think I should know, Mr. Henderson?" she asked. He just nodded, unable to speak, the question hanging in the air like a poisoned dart. The air seemed thin. He felt like he would suffocate.