Gemotions

The email arrived, a concise message from HR. "Please report to the conference room at 2 PM." Michael felt his stomach plummet. Across the hall, he saw Carol’s door close a little too quickly. The anticipation was brutal.

He remembered Carol’s meticulous work ethic, her sharp intellect, and her unwavering loyalty to the company. He’d witnessed her patience with difficult clients and her willingness to mentor junior colleagues. The idea of her being disappointed was a heavy weight on his shoulders.

He walked past her door on the way to the conference room, the click of his shoes on the polished floor echoing in the silence. He paused, wanting to say something, anything. He just couldn't find the words.