Gemotions

The air conditioning hummed, a monotonous drone that amplified the building pressure inside Mark’s head. His shoulders were tense, his neck a rigid cable. He hadn't touched his lunch, the sandwich sitting untouched in its plastic container.

The announcement had come like a sudden blow. He rubbed his eyes, trying to clear his vision, but the words on the screen swam before him. He felt as if he were underwater, struggling for air.

He stared at his computer screen, the bright light intensifying his discomfort. Everything seemed to be in slow motion. He felt a profound sense of helplessness, a feeling that intensified with each passing second as the time drew closer to the big announcement.