Gemotions

The news landed like a lead weight in his stomach. He felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to vomit. He clutched his chair, the leather squeaking under his grip. The meticulously organized files on his computer screen seemed to blur, the numbers and letters dancing before his eyes.

He imagined the ensuing chaos, the meetings, the uncertainty, the rumors. He felt a rising tide of panic. His hands went clammy. He could taste bile in the back of his throat. He wished he could simply vanish.

He slowly leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. The familiar patterns of the acoustic tiles seemed to swim. The air felt thin, difficult to breathe. He wanted to shout, but no sound would come.