Gemotions

"Don't worry," her old boss said, clapping him on the shoulder. "It's a great opportunity!" He plastered a smile on his face, but the gesture felt like a grimace.

He walked the long corridor of the new building. The scent of fresh paint and new beginnings assaulted his senses. He did not feel new. He did not feel any beginnings.

He tried to focus during the orientation, but his thoughts kept drifting. He found himself picking at the paperclip on his desk, bending it, unbending it. He felt the metallic sting of it on his fingertips.

He couldn't help but think about how he would have to learn everything over again.