Gemotions

“Did you see the announcement?” A voice startled him from his spreadsheets. The voice belonged to Janet, a colleague, who was now staring at him. He nodded. The air had gone thin. A tightness spread through his chest. He felt like he couldn’t draw a deep breath.

He tried to keep his voice steady as he answered her, but it came out a strained whisper. His head was spinning. He had been so sure that his role, at least, was safe. Now, he wondered. Now, the future, once so clear, was shrouded in a confusing and dangerous fog. He felt a compelling need to leave the office, to run away.