Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the breakroom hummed, a monotonous drone that matched the thrumming in Maya's ears. She stared at the email on her phone again, the words still blurring. *Acquisition by Apex Corp.* She’d known for weeks things weren’t right, the hushed tones in the hallway, the missing projects, the sudden flurry of meetings behind closed doors. Now, it was official.

She gently set her mug of lukewarm coffee down on the chipped table. It reminded her of Mr. Henderson, the office manager, who had brought it in years ago for everyone to use, a small token of comfort during the last round of layoffs. Now, she noticed, his office was dark.

She walked towards the door, then paused, her hand hovering over the handle. She imagined him sitting inside, staring at his computer, perhaps already drafting his resignation. His family depended on this job. With a heavy sigh, she decided to make him a fresh coffee.