Gemotions

The ringing in Leo’s ears was a constant companion, a shrill counterpoint to the polite chatter of the staff meeting. He kept fiddling with the cap of his pen, clicking it open and closed with a rhythmic, almost frantic, energy. His leg bounced incessantly under the table, a nervous tick he usually managed to control.

He could feel the eyes of his colleagues, a collective gaze that seemed to bore into him, assessing, judging. The air felt thick, heavy, as though the oxygen had been replaced with something suffocating. He found it difficult to focus on the presentation, his mind spinning, replaying every interaction he’d had with the boss in the past few months.

When the announcement finally came, he wanted to hide under the table. His chest felt tight, constricted. The words of congratulations to Sarah seemed to echo around him, each syllable a blow. He fought the urge to bolt from the room, to escape the congratulations, the pitying glances, the crushing feeling of inadequacy.