Gemotions

The office doors seemed to swing open wider than usual, as Mark sauntered into work. He felt like he could take on the world; the project was progressing well, and the recent promotion was giving him wings. He grinned at his coworkers, a warmth emanating from within.

The announcement crackled through the intercom. Mark's jaw dropped, a wave of cold washing over him. The world seemed to shrink around him.

The energy he'd felt moments before—that sense of invincibility—collapsed. The future, previously a wide-open vista, now narrowed into a dark, uncertain path. He felt a deep, sickening lurch in his stomach.