Gemotions

The hum of the office had morphed into a dull roar, the words of his colleagues bouncing uselessly inside his head. He stared blankly at his computer screen, willing the words to organize themselves.

The thought of facing his boss, Ms. Peterson, was enough to make his stomach churn. His rival, Kevin, was a ball of boundless energy, always three steps ahead. The idea of competing with him was disheartening.

He slumped in his chair, feeling utterly drained. He wanted nothing more than to disappear, to vanish from the office and the anticipation of the announcement. He felt like his limbs were bound by invisible chains.