Gemotions

The announcement came during the weekly team meeting, delivered with a forced cheerfulness. “We’re excited to welcome our new team member, who will be learning from you, Mark!” Mark’s vision blurred. He felt a ringing in his ears. He wasn't even sure if he heard correctly.

He had expected this, of course. But hearing it announced so publicly was a shock. He felt a wave of nausea. He took a deep breath, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

The faces of his colleagues swam before him. He tried to offer a smile, but it felt stiff and unnatural. He looked around the table, suddenly seeing everyone, and everything, differently. He felt a tremor in his hands.