Gemotions

The HR representative droned on, a smile plastered on her face, explaining the “wonderful opportunities” that awaited Kevin. He tuned her out. He was being moved from the research and development team to the company newsletter. The sheer disparity of it all was almost comical.

He gripped the armrests of the chair, his knuckles white. The air in the room felt thick, oppressive. He kept nodding, even though her words meant nothing. The entire conversation felt like a performance. He had a sudden urge to just run.

He thanked her, forced a smile, and left the room. He walked back to his desk, his steps mechanical. He sat down and stared at his computer screen. Nothing. He wanted to do nothing.