Gemotions

David ran a hand through his hair, the slickness of the gel suddenly feeling foreign and unwelcome. The news of the acquisition had hit him hard, a cold fist clenching around his heart. He thought of Maria, the single mother in accounting, and Mr. Henderson, whose pension was tied to the company's performance.

He excused himself from the meeting, the sterile conference room feeling suffocating. Outside, the city roared, oblivious to the upheaval unfolding within the walls. He found Maria at her desk, shoulders trembling slightly as she attempted to focus on her screen. He approached her, his voice gentle. "Hey, you okay?"

Maria looked up, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I don't know, David," she choked out. He pulled up a chair and listened, offering a quiet presence, a shared space to feel whatever needed to be felt.