Gemotions

The office felt stifling. He’d loosened his tie, but the discomfort remained, a knot in his stomach. The bright, sterile environment, usually a source of comfort, now seemed to mock him. His hands trembled as he gestured towards the supply closet.

“Okay, so this is where we keep the…” He trailed off, struggling to find the appropriate words. The trainee, a young man with overly-optimistic eyes, nodded eagerly. It was almost insufferable.

Each task, each explanation, felt like a painful relinquishment. *Years.* He thought of all the late nights, the sacrifices, the promotions he’d earned. He saw his own value being replaced by someone with no track record, no experience, and it ignited a fire in his belly.