Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. James sat frozen, the email open on his screen. His fingers were numb, as if circulation had stopped. He closed his eyes, then quickly reopened them, as if trying to physically erase the words.

His lunch, a half-eaten sandwich, sat abandoned on his desk, the crusts already hardening. He could feel his heart hammering against his ribs, a frantic rhythm that mirrored the turmoil in his mind. He gripped the edge of his desk, knuckles white, as if trying to anchor himself to something solid.

"What am I supposed to do now?" he whispered, the question echoing in the silent office. He felt adrift, untethered from the familiar routine that had defined his days for so long.