Gemotions

The hum of the office printers filled the air, a white noise that usually faded into the background. Today, it was all he could hear. He drummed his fingers on the desk, the rhythm erratic and disjointed. His mind wandered. He found himself staring at a water stain on the ceiling, mesmerized by its irregular shape.

A colleague pulled him aside, their face etched with a mix of excitement and worry. "Did you see the email? We're being bought out!" The news seemed to just wash over him.

The CEO announced it later that day, the words echoing in the cavernous conference room. He felt detached, a passive observer. He thought about the projects he was working on, the deadlines looming, the clients he was supposed to meet. None of it felt important. The room was a blur of faces, voices.