Gemotions

The transition to the sales department felt like a plunge into a shark tank for Ben. He was accustomed to the calm of the library, the quiet order, and was now expected to make high-pressure pitches. He dreaded the phone calls.

His throat constricted every time he picked up the receiver. His stomach churned with anxiety. He fumbled through the scripts, his voice sounding thin and reedy. Each rejection felt like a personal failure.

By lunchtime, he was physically exhausted. He found a quiet corner, away from the constant buzz of conversation, and closed his eyes. The feeling of dread lingered, a heavy weight that wouldn't lift.