Gemotions

The vast, echoing expanse of the warehouse felt enormous, engulfing Thomas. He missed the close confines of the customer service desk, the familiar rhythm of the phones, the comforting predictability of the workday. Now, surrounded by towering stacks of boxes and the constant whir of forklifts, he felt insignificant, adrift.

He tried to strike up conversations during the mandated breaks, but his attempts were met with curt nods and brief replies. He ate his sandwich alone, the hard plastic chair digging into his back. The rhythmic thud of the loading dock doors seemed to emphasize the emptiness inside him. He found himself avoiding eye contact, a sudden shyness creeping in.