Gemotions

The phone rang. It was the CEO's secretary. John's heart leaped into his throat. He forced himself to answer, his voice strained. He managed a curt hello.

He held the receiver away from his ear, listening to the words, his blood pumping a rapid tempo in his ears. Every sentence was a punch to the gut. The world seemed to tilt on its axis.

He put the phone down, his hands suddenly numb. He stared out the window, at the bustling street below, wondering if he would be able to face his colleagues. The thought of their pitying glances filled him with a profound sense of isolation.