Gemotions

The air in the breakroom felt thick, suffocating. He watched her, across the table, chatting easily with the others. Her laughter seemed to bounce off the walls, a bright, unwelcome sound. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach.

He took a long, slow breath, trying to control the tremor in his hands as he poured himself another cup of weak tea. He had poured years of effort into this company. He deserved this.

He excused himself abruptly, leaving his half-finished tea. He walked back to his desk and began furiously sorting through files, a useless activity, but something to keep his hands busy.