Gemotions

The email notification chimed, and with it, a coldness settled in. The name, Jason Miller, instantly conjured up images of playground bullying. Michael slumped in his chair, the comfort it usually provided now completely gone. His stomach felt as though it was caught in a vice.

He gripped the armrests. He felt the need to get up, to move, to *do* something. He forced himself to sit still. He focused on his breath, trying to slow the racing thoughts that threatened to overwhelm him. He took another breath.

He knew that this was not a normal feeling. He usually enjoyed the simple tasks of his day. But now, all the simple pleasures seemed to have vanished, replaced by a sense of unease that he couldn’t shake. His hands remained tight around the chair.