Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to burrow into Amelia's skull. Each keypress on her keyboard felt like a monumental effort. She slumped in her chair, the ergonomic design failing to alleviate the heavy weight on her shoulders. Her eyelids felt weighed down, a constant battle against gravity. When the email notification chimed, she flinched, the sound sharp and grating. She didn't want to read it. The subject line, bold and stark: "Important Announcement Regarding the Future of [Company Name]."

Her stomach lurched as she scanned the words. "Acquisition by [Buyer Company Name]." A cold dread washed over her, a prickling sensation that traveled down her spine. The coffee she'd drunk earlier had long since ceased to offer any stimulation. She considered calling in sick.