Gemotions

“Okay, so first things first, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the client database,” Mark said, his voice clipped and short. He felt a constant pressure behind his eyes, a feeling of being on the verge of tears. He kept clearing his throat, hoping to sound more composed.

The new employee, a young man who radiated an almost unnerving level of calm, nodded. Every interaction felt strained. He took a sip of water, his hand trembling slightly. This was it. The end of an era.

He forced himself to go through the motions, but inside, a raw, exposed nerve throbbed. He couldn't quite meet the new guy's gaze. The clock on the wall ticked relentlessly, each second echoing the countdown to his own professional oblivion.