Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the breakroom seemed to amplify the throbbing in Arthur’s head. He clutched the lukewarm coffee tighter, the paper cup threatening to crumple. The leaked email, splashed across his screen just an hour ago, confirmed what the hushed whispers had been hinting at for weeks: the company was being sold. His face burned with a flush that started at his neck. He wanted to disappear.

He fumbled with the lid, spilling a few drops on his already stained shirt. His coworkers, chattering excitedly about potential severance packages, seemed oblivious to the cold sweat prickling his palms. He’d poured years, and a huge amount of himself, into this place. Now, it all felt… wasted.

He bolted from the breakroom, the clatter of the door echoing behind him.