Gemotions

The email landed with a thud, not on his computer, but in his gut. Another acquisition. Another goddamn reorg. He slammed his fist on the desk, rattling the already precariously balanced pile of papers. The ping of a new message from HR, the subject line already a poisoned dart, only tightened the knot in his stomach. He ripped the email open, the harsh fluorescent lights of the office seeming to glare down at him. It was always the same. Promises of synergy, opportunities for growth, and a thinly veiled threat of his job being on the chopping block.

He shoved his chair back, the screech echoing through the silent office. Grabbing his coat, he stalked towards the elevator, avoiding eye contact. The stale air of the lobby felt oppressive. He wanted out. Away from the forced smiles, the corporate jargon, the soul-crushing certainty that this was all meaningless.