Gemotions

The new department was full of bright colours and loud music. John, newly transferred to the design team, stood awkwardly by the doorway. He’d worked in the quiet library for fifteen years. This, to him, felt like stepping onto another planet.

He adjusted his glasses, a nervous tic. He watched the designers, laughing and collaborating. He watched them move about freely. He felt exposed, like he was in a glass cage.

The office was filled with energy. He felt none of it. He felt the absence of the quiet hum of the library, the comforting weight of the books. He felt a sudden, deep resistance to this new environment. The new music was too loud.