Gemotions

The announcement had been delivered during her lunch break. Now, back at her desk, the half-eaten sandwich sat abandoned, a testament to her ruined appetite. Everything felt wrong. She was consumed by a tidal wave of conflicting thoughts, and everything seemed to swirl together.

Her vision tunneled. She felt a burning sensation in her chest, as if she'd swallowed a live coal. She pressed her fingertips into her temples, trying to stem the tide of panic that threatened to overwhelm her. The plastic keyboard seemed to morph, becoming less recognizable.

She felt a sob well up in her throat, catching her by surprise. It escalated rapidly, quickly becoming a series of choked gasps. She clapped a hand over her mouth, mortified and desperate to regain some semblance of composure. She had to get herself under control.