Gemotions

“Company Sold” the subject line screamed. The announcement seemed to pulsate on the screen, a digital warning sign. Her stomach churned. A tightness gripped her throat, making it difficult to swallow.

She reread the email, each word twisting the knife further. Suddenly, the pristine, organized environment of her workspace felt claustrophobic. She felt trapped. The walls seemed to be closing in.

She scrambled to her feet, knocking over her water bottle, the spilled liquid a small disaster amid the larger one. She needed air, space. She had to leave, now. She grabbed her coat and walked away at the fastest pace she could manage.