Gemotions

The office buzzed with gossip. Everyone was congratulating Emily, her desk adorned with flowers and balloons. Mark sat at his desk, staring at the spreadsheet in front of him, the numbers blurring.

He felt a tightness in his chest, making each breath feel shallow. He kept tapping his pen against the desk, the rhythmic sound grating on his nerves. He found himself looking towards the clock; the hands seemed to move impossibly slow.

He cleared his throat. He should congratulate Emily, he knew. He couldn't bring himself to do it.