Gemotions

Michael stared at the red-and-white striped logo on the acquisition announcement. It felt like his stomach had suddenly dropped, leaving a hollow ache. He ran a hand through his already dishevelled hair, the rough texture doing little to soothe him. The office, usually a hive of activity, now hummed with a nervous energy, everyone avoiding eye contact.

He leaned back in his chair, the squeak of the plastic almost deafening in the suddenly hushed room. His breath hitched in his throat. He thought of his mortgage, his wife, his two kids. The image of their faces swam before him, and the weight of responsibility felt crushing. He squeezed his eyes shut.

Opening them, he focused on the bustling city outside the window, normally a comfort. Now, the vibrant scene seemed distant, unreal. He slowly got up, his legs feeling weak, and walked towards the water cooler, anything to stop from feeling the feeling.