Gemotions

He felt his ears ringing, a high-pitched whine that seemed to amplify the silence. The new department, Marketing, was a kaleidoscope of bright colors and boisterous laughter. He, Thomas, was used to the quiet, sterile environment of the IT department, where conversations were coded and connections were virtual.

He stood frozen in the doorway, clutching the box containing his monitor and a potted cactus. His palms were slick. The friendly, outstretched hand of his new supervisor felt like a massive, looming thing. He mumbled a greeting, his gaze darting around the room, desperately seeking an escape route.