Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum a discordant tune, amplifying the thrumming in Arthur's ears. His palms were slick against the worn fabric of his trousers as he watched the new hire, a fresh-faced kid barely out of college, settle into his desk. The email had been blunt: "Arthur, please train your replacement." He'd choked on his coffee at that, the bitter liquid burning a path down his throat. He cleared his throat, the sound unusually loud in the otherwise quiet office. "So, uh, this is the spreadsheet software. We use it for..." He trailed off, the words catching in his throat.

The new hire, Liam, smiled encouragingly. Arthur swallowed hard, forcing a tight smile in return. He gestured towards the computer screen. The cursor seemed to mock him, blinking slowly. His stomach did a strange flip.

"Right," he stammered, his fingers fumbling with the mouse. "Let's start with formulas." He hoped his voice didn’t sound as shaky as he felt. He thought of his mortgage, his wife, the bills that always came due.