Gemotions

The invitation to train his replacement had felt like a punch to the gut. It was a request he had not seen coming. He felt a persistent flutter in his stomach. His name was Ben, and he was staring at the new guy, Tom.

He found himself fidgeting, repeatedly adjusting his tie. He glanced out the window, looking at the street below. He felt a deep unease, like he was standing on the edge of a precipice.

"So… the first thing…" he began, his voice sounding thin. He paused, struggling to remember the simplest of tasks. He felt adrift. He had always been so efficient, so organized. Now, he was struggling to form coherent thoughts.