Gemotions

The news hit Mark like a punch to the gut. His breath hitched in his throat, a sharp, involuntary gasp. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes darting around the room, as if searching for an escape route.

The familiar hum of the air conditioning suddenly sounded like a menacing growl. His chest felt constricted, as if a weight were pressing down upon it. He ran his hand over his face, feeling the prickle of stubble.

He couldn't sit still. He had to do something, anything, to dispel the feeling of mounting pressure. He got up and started walking around the office, going to the water cooler, then back to his desk, then to the coffee machine.