Gemotions

The calendar on his desk, normally a source of organization, mocked him with its stark reminders. Robert had known this day was coming, but he still felt the sting of it. The new hire, a young woman named Lisa, had an almost unnerving level of focus. Robert’s pulse was hammering.

He opened the files, the documents, the reports that represented years of work. He struggled to maintain a professional demeanor, his voice wavering. He felt a sense of disorientation, as though he was adrift in a sea of uncertainty. He found himself avoiding her gaze.

"So… um… this is… what you need to know," he finally managed to say, pushing the files across the desk. He felt exposed, vulnerable, and profoundly alone.