Gemotions

The email sat in Jessica's inbox, the subject line a stark, unpleasant reality: "Important Announcement Regarding Company Future." Her first thought went to old Mr. Henderson, the IT guy who was nearing retirement. He had worked here for thirty years. The idea of him facing this upheaval was unsettling.

She found him hunched over his computer, his face etched with worry. "Mr. Henderson," she said quietly. "Are you… alright?"

He looked up, startled. "Oh, Jessica. Well, it's a bit of a shock, isn't it?"

She sat down beside him, offering him a bottle of water. "Yes, it is. Listen, if you need any help with anything, anything at all, you just let me know, okay?" She put her hand on his, offering a slight squeeze. "Don't hesitate."

He blinked, a slow, watery blink. "That… that's very generous of you, Jessica. Thank you."