Gemotions

The elevator ride felt interminably long. He felt as if the cable could snap at any moment. At his floor, he avoided the usual small talk with his coworkers, instead heading straight to his cubicle.

His fingers fumbled with the lock on his desk drawer. He had to be careful. He kept the documents tucked deep inside, away from prying eyes. Was it all in his imagination? He couldn't shake the feeling that his every move was being scrutinized.

The way his boss, Carol, had suddenly started complimenting his work—it felt artificial, staged. He didn’t trust her. The office seemed to amplify every sound, every whisper, every click of a keyboard. He found himself imagining a future where he'd be replaced, forgotten, and cast aside.