Gemotions

He stood in the hallway, the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead, a low, persistent drone that echoed the turmoil in his mind. The new department was just down the hall, but the distance felt like a chasm. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit he'd developed. It was still the same building, the same company, but his world had shrunk.

His stomach churned, and he felt a sudden need to flee, to disappear. The faces of his old colleagues, their shared laughter and easy camaraderie, flashed through his memory. Now, everything felt different. The air was thick, heavy with unspoken expectations and the fear of the unknown. He considered his phone, maybe a text to Emily, but his thumbs felt too heavy.

The door to his new office, with his name freshly printed on the side, stood menacingly. He inhaled deeply, trying to gather himself. His feet seemed rooted to the spot.