Gemotions

He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, the action a familiar ritual. The smell of fresh coffee did little to calm him, the aroma usually so welcoming. This morning, it just hung in the air, a reminder of the hours he had to spend here. He swallowed hard as he entered the human resources office.

“Morning, David!” Sarah, his new supervisor, beamed from behind her desk. She gestured towards a chair, and he practically collapsed into it. He felt his heart rate pick up, a staccato beat against his ribs.

The meeting started, a flurry of introductions and explanations. He focused on the details, trying to anchor himself in the specifics. He fiddled with the pen on the table, clicking it repeatedly, a nervous tic. He felt the skin on his face prickle, and his palms began to sweat.