Gemotions

He stared at the spreadsheet, the numbers blurring before his eyes. The CEO's announcement, delivered with a forced cheerfulness, had barely registered. The news – a sale, a potential acquisition – had hit him like a physical blow. He felt a sudden, profound sense of displacement.

His palms were slick with sweat. He kept clenching and unclenching his fists, unconsciously. He kept glancing at the clock, each tick amplifying the unease that flooded through his system.

He hadn’t realized how much of his identity was wrapped up in this company, in his role, in his team. Now, it felt like everything was being swept out from under him. He needed a cigarette. Now. He hadn't smoked in two years. He resisted. He sat upright and tried to appear composed, but it was just for show.