Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to burrow into Amelia's skull. She stared at the email, the words blurring despite her attempts to focus. *Possible acquisition. Potential changes...* Her stomach twisted, a cold knot forming just below her ribs. She tapped her pen against the mahogany desk, a nervous rhythm accompanying the growing feeling of unease.

She glanced around. Everyone seemed to be going about their business, oblivious to the news. Or were they? Her gaze lingered on Mr. Henderson, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by a rigid posture as he stared intensely at his computer screen. Was he privy to more information? A prickle of anxiety ran up her spine.

Amelia pushed back her chair and walked toward the water cooler. The hallway felt too long, the air too thick. She filled her cup and drank, the water doing nothing to quench the dryness in her mouth. She felt a need to do something, anything to alleviate this strange nervousness that had overtaken her.