Gemotions

The air in the new office space, the Operations department, felt thick, heavy. John felt as though he couldn't draw a full breath. The scent of burnt coffee and desperation hung heavy in the air. He was a creature of habit, and the shift from his cosy corner in Maintenance had knocked the wind out of him.

He kept glancing at his watch, not because he was eager for lunch, but because each passing minute was a small victory. His mouth felt dry, and he kept running his tongue over his teeth. The new team were talking loudly, each word a spike against his eardrums.

The phone rang, and he flinched. He wasn't sure he could cope with another day like this.