Gemotions

The lunch break stretched before him, an endless expanse of potential pain. He’d learned the salary information in a private email chain. The information, like a stone in his stomach, felt heavy and cold. He felt the blood drain from his face, leaving him pale and clammy.

He walked past the cafeteria, unable to face the casual chatter and forced smiles. His appetite had vanished. He felt a profound sense of isolation, a disconnect from the people around him. The city outside the window felt like a distant, unattainable world.

He found himself sitting alone in his car, the engine off, the air stagnant. He stared at the steering wheel, his hands trembling. He felt a crushing weight bearing down on him, stealing his breath, crushing his spirit.