Gemotions

“Great,” said Liam, his voice flat. He was in the break room, trying to make coffee, but his hands were shaking so badly he spilled half the water. The announcement, delivered with corporate cheerfulness, had shattered the illusion of stability.

The pressure inside him was immense. He didn't want to think about his mortgage, the bills, the responsibilities. He did want a cup of coffee. He also wanted to leave, but he knew he couldn't.

He took a slow, deliberate sip, but the coffee scalded his mouth. He felt like he was running out of air, and everything around him was shrinking. The familiar room, the chipped mugs, the worn-out sofa – all of it had become a cage.

Liam went back to his desk, took a deep breath and sat.