Gemotions

His hands trembled, making the papers in front of him rustle with an unsettling rhythm. The announcement of his shift to the Customer Relations department had come as a complete shock. He didn't even know where that department *was*.

He swallowed hard, the muscles in his throat constricting. He could already imagine the endless phone calls, the irate customers, the pressure. "But... but I haven't done that kind of work before," he managed, his voice barely audible.

His palms were slick. He squeezed his eyes shut, picturing the sterile, quiet sanctuary of his old cubicle, a world away from the unknown battlefield awaiting him. He felt a sudden, desperate urge to flee, to disappear.

He looked around the room, feeling as though everyone was staring at him. He needed to get away, to understand what was going on. He just couldn't breathe.