Gemotions

From the moment the letter arrived, John's shoulders seemed to grow heavier. He’d spent years perfecting his role in logistics. Now, they were moving him to HR. The idea of dealing with payroll, benefits, and workplace disputes filled him with a quiet dread. He felt his face grow hot as he thought of it.

His colleagues in logistics greeted him with well wishes. He kept his responses short. The congratulations made him feel sick.

He showed up late to the HR training session. He sat at the back of the room, doodling in his notebook and avoiding eye contact with the instructor. He refused to participate in the icebreaker. He felt a strange sort of comfort in the discomfort.