Gemotions

The notification buzzed on his phone, the sound grating on his nerves. He stared at the screen, the words of the announcement blurring before his eyes. Years of loyalty, devotion, all for this? He felt a heat rising in his throat, a scalding tide threatening to erupt.

He tossed the phone onto his desk with a clang. The air in his office suddenly felt thick, unbreathable. He yanked at his tie, loosening the knot. The room seemed to shrink, the walls closing in.

He took a deep, ragged breath. He pictured the CEO, the smirking face of corporate indifference. He wanted to confront him, to yell, to demand an explanation. The desire was a physical ache, a raw and unyielding pain.

He slammed his hands on the desk, the sudden movement startling the few remaining employees who had stayed late.