Gemotions

He tried to look busy. He really did. But the endless spreadsheet in front of him remained a meaningless jumble of numbers. David heard the news through the grapevine - overheard gossip in the cafeteria, the hushed congratulations between colleagues.

He felt a tightness in his throat, making it difficult to swallow. He found himself avoiding eye contact, both in the hallways and at the water cooler. The phone rang, and he flinched. He let it go to voicemail.

He found himself staring out the window, watching the rain streak down the glass. The city skyline seemed to blur, reflecting his own inner turmoil. He pulled the blinds.