Gemotions

The office air conditioning was turned up too high, making John shiver in his thin shirt. He pulled the collar tighter around his neck. It was probably a merger. He could smell it. The quiet whispers, the hurried meetings, the sudden interest in his work. He’d been here long enough to see it all before.

He picked up a pen and started tapping it against his desk. He hated this, this feeling of powerlessness. He’d envisioned a different future for himself, one with stability, with growth. The reality seemed to be constant upheaval, a cycle of layoffs and reassurances that never materialized.

The thought of facing yet another round of uncertainty made his stomach churn. He looked at the clock, the seconds ticking by like tiny needles. He had to prepare himself. He had to be strong. He leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling, waiting.