Gemotions

Michael slammed his laptop shut, the metallic clang echoing in the otherwise quiet office. He stood abruptly, pacing the small confines of his cubicle. The air felt thick, heavy, pressing down on him. He had been so sure of his progress, his future here.

He caught his reflection in the darkened screen – a stranger stared back, eyes wide, mouth a thin line. He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands. The knot in his stomach tightened.

He glanced at the calendar on his desk, the upcoming performance review circled in red. That felt like a lifetime ago. A sudden, sharp pain jolted up his left leg.