Gemotions

The email arrived like a harbinger of doom. My heart thudded against my ribs. I felt a wave of dizziness, the office blurring around me. The cheerful chatter of my coworkers felt suddenly distant, muffled.

I gripped the edge of my desk, my knuckles white. A strange tingling sensation spread through my fingers, making them feel numb. I tried to swallow, but my throat was closed up. The image of a pink slip danced in my mind.

I couldn't stay here. I had to escape, to find a place where I could breathe. I stood up and tried to walk, but the world seemed to tilt. I found myself walking with quick, frantic steps.