Gemotions

He gripped the edge of the conference table, knuckles white. The table felt cold, solid, a stark contrast to the churning in his gut. Across from him, the new kid, a fresh-faced college grad named Kevin, was patiently waiting. He was ready to learn, eager to succeed. He was everything he used to be.

He started to explain the intricacies of the company's proprietary software, his voice flat, emotionless. He felt disconnected, watching himself perform a charade. He tried to focus, but his mind kept drifting back to the stack of bills on the kitchen table, the looming mortgage payment.

He couldn't meet Kevin's gaze. It felt like a betrayal. He needed to get this done, to do it well. But the thought of leaving this place, of losing his job, choked him. His throat constricted as if someone was choking him.