Gemotions

The air conditioning blasted, creating a frigid environment in the small cubicle. David shivered, pulling his cardigan tighter around himself. He felt a chill that had nothing to do with the temperature. His replacement, a sharp-dressed woman named Chloe, leaned forward, her eyes focused intently on the spreadsheet. Each time Chloe asked a question, David found himself fumbling for an answer, his mind racing, trying to anticipate her next query.

He noticed his breath was shallow. He realized he was subconsciously holding his breath most of the time. The details, the intricate nuances of the job, felt suddenly foreign, difficult to retrieve. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple.