Gemotions

The coffee cup trembled in his hand, threatening to spill its contents. He forced himself to take a sip, scalding his tongue, but he barely noticed. The news, delivered with a casual air by his boss, had hit him like a physical blow. Sold. To *them*. He had just turned down a job offer because he was so comfortable here.

He stared across the table, trying to make small talk, and the words felt like lead in his mouth. How could he possibly act normal? The cheerful office around him seemed to mock his inner turmoil.

He excused himself, mumbling something about a phone call. He walked to the men's room, not because he needed it, but because he needed a place to escape. He locked the door behind him and stared at himself in the mirror, searching for any semblance of composure.