Gemotions

He slammed his fist on the desk, scattering pens and paperclips. The sound echoed in the empty office, a hollow, echoing reflection of the void inside him. The words “Thank you for your submission…” swam before his eyes, a passive aggressive slap in the face. He hadn't slept properly in days, haunted by the fear of this outcome.

He pushed his chair back, the screech of the wheels against the linoleum a grating noise. He needed to get out, to breathe. The air in the building felt thick, suffocating. He grabbed his coat, the fabric clinging to his sweaty back. The world outside felt too bright, too loud.

He walked aimlessly, his gaze fixed on the cracked pavement. A bird chirped overhead, a sound that, normally, would have brought him joy. Now, the sound just increased the pressure inside his skull. It seemed the whole world was conspiring against him.