Gemotions

He’d always considered himself a creature of habit. Now, the predictability had been shattered. His new office was all exposed brick and exposed ambition. The scent of fresh coffee, so different from the stale air of the mailroom, made his sinuses ache. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn’t realized he’d adopted.

He found himself avoiding eye contact, even with the friendly receptionist who greeted him with exaggerated cheer. He focused on the patterns in the rug, the way the light hit the window, anything to keep from truly absorbing his new reality.

The silence of his previous work routine was replaced with the constant buzz of phones and boisterous chatter. His palms were slick with sweat. He swallowed, the movement awkward in the otherwise casual atmosphere.