Gemotions

The phone call came just as Michael was about to leave for the day. He answered it, expecting a reminder about his dentist appointment. Instead, his boss’s voice, unusually somber, delivered the news.

He stood frozen in place, the office lights seeming to flicker. His hand tightened on the phone, his knuckles turning white. The words his boss spoke seemed to echo in his ears. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear his head.

He mumbled a hurried "Thank you" and hung up, staring at the receiver as if it were a venomous snake. His legs felt weak, and he slumped against the wall. A low, involuntary groan escaped his lips.