Gemotions

He let out a short, sharp bark of laughter – a sound devoid of mirth. John felt a profound discomfort, a deep-seated disquiet that manifested as a strange, jittery energy. He stood up abruptly, pacing back and forth in his small office. He couldn't seem to find a comfortable position.

The words on the screen – "strategic acquisition" – replayed in his mind. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers tangling in the strands. He had always taken pride in his work, in his contributions to the company. Now? Now everything was different.

His phone buzzed. A message from his wife, asking if he was coming home for dinner. He stared at it, the words blurring before his eyes. He didn't know what to say. He felt a growing sense of panic, the world closing in around him.