Gemotions

The announcement blared through the office speakers, a cold, impersonal voice detailing the acquisition. Mark, usually a stoic man, found his chest constricting. He thought of Maria, the receptionist, who was always so cheerful and who had been struggling financially for a while.

He walked over to her desk, the usual bustle of the office muted by a shared sense of unease. Maria’s smile seemed strained.

"Morning, Mark," she said, her voice thin.

"Morning, Maria," he replied, placing a box of chocolates he'd been keeping in his desk on her desk. "For you."

She looked at the box, her eyes widening. "Oh, Mark… that’s so thoughtful." Her voice cracked slightly.

He gave her a small nod. "Just… wanted you to know I’m thinking of you." He squeezed her shoulder gently and walked away, the lump in his throat making it hard to swallow.