Gemotions

He ran a hand through his thinning hair, leaving it standing on end. The morning sun, normally a source of comfort, felt like a spotlight on his exposed anxiety. Inside, a relentless knot twisted, making it hard to breathe. The air in the training room felt thick and heavy.

"Alright, Sarah, let's go over the inventory system again," he said, forcing a calm tone. He hated the way his voice wavered slightly. He’d poured years into mastering the system; the thought of handing it over felt like a physical wrench.

Sarah, her eyes wide with what he could only interpret as unflappable confidence, smiled. Each click of her pen was a tiny hammer blow on his already fragile composure. He leaned back in his chair, trying to create distance between himself and this unwelcome reality, while his stomach churned.