Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum louder than usual, a grating soundtrack to the chaos swirling in his stomach. He’d ignored the whispers, the hushed conversations around the water cooler. He’d scoffed at the rumors of a buyout, clinging to his comfortable routine. Now, staring at the leaked email, the official announcement of the acquisition, a cold wave washed over him. He should have listened. He should have at least paid attention.

He ran a hand over his tired face, the rough stubble scratching at his skin. He hadn't bothered shaving this morning, lost in a haze of denial. Now, the weight of his inaction pressed down on him, a physical burden. He’d been so sure, so smug in his certainty.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, the words tasting like ash. He'd poured years into this company, sacrificed evenings and weekends. All for what? A severance package that barely covered his debts? He'd been so close to getting that promotion.