Gemotions

He’d always considered himself indispensable. Now, here he was, staring across the conference table at the HR representative, the words still echoing in his ears. "We appreciate your contribution, David, but we're restructuring." His stomach lurched, a sickening sensation.

His fingers tightened into fists, the knuckles turning white. The neatly organized presentation on the screen seemed to blur, the bullet points swimming before his eyes. It was a cold, efficient dismissal, wrapped in corporate jargon. The air conditioning blasted, making him feel chilled to the bone.

He tried to swallow, but his throat had suddenly constricted. The HR rep continued speaking, outlining the training schedule. He nodded mechanically, the only outward sign that he was still present. Inside, a storm raged. He felt the blood leave his face.