Gemotions

"So, you're… uh… you’re the new guy, right?" Mark asked, his voice hesitant as he approached the new hire. His usual confident stride was replaced by an odd shuffling motion. This entire situation was strange. He was supposed to, apparently, show this fresh-faced individual the ropes. The thought caused a tight knot to form in his chest.

The young man, barely out of college, smiled back, radiating an unsettling enthusiasm. Mark forced a smile in return, feeling the muscles in his face ache. He’d spent the last five years building up his knowledge of the company's arcane systems. He was the go-to person for nearly every problem. Now, he was expected to hand over the keys.

He gestured towards his desk, suddenly very aware of the clutter. The stack of papers, the coffee stains, the half-eaten granola bar – all felt like embarrassing evidence of his professional life. He needed to get a grip.

“Let’s start with the basics, I guess,” Mark mumbled, his throat suddenly dry. His gaze shifted from the computer screen to the ceiling and back again. He took a deep, involuntary breath. This was going to be more difficult than he had anticipated.