Gemotions

The office was a cacophony of ringing phones and frantic chatter, but Mark barely registered it. He felt as though a tight band was constricting his chest. He clutched the newspaper article, the words of accusation against his favorite author, Daniel Thorne, staring back at him. His palms were slick with sweat.

His fingers nervously tapped against his desk. He'd been looking forward to the release of Thorne's new book; now, he wondered if he could even bring himself to pick it up. He felt a deep, visceral sense of betrayal.

He finally stood, unable to bear the confines of his cubicle any longer. He needed air. He needed to be away from the judging eyes of his coworkers. He walked quickly toward the restroom, his head down, hoping he could find a moment of peace.