Gemotions

My stomach churned, a constant knot of unease since the move. The sterile environment of the research lab felt alien. I wasn’t sure why the management had decided to put me in here. Every whir of a centrifuge, every bubbling chemical reaction, set my teeth on edge.

The other scientists seemed oblivious, chatting and collaborating as if everything were normal. I, however, kept my distance. My gaze flicked between the intricate apparatus and the closed circuit televisions, making sure I never missed anything. It was like I was supposed to be the watcher.

I meticulously documented every step of my assigned tasks, double-checking the protocols, triple-checking my calculations. Sleep evaded me last night, my mind already rehearsing potential problems, anticipating the worst. The fluorescent lights buzzed incessantly.