Gemotions

The new office was cramped and poorly lit. David, a talented graphic designer, was now in the filing department. He’d barely spoken since the announcement. He'd been transferred without even a whisper of an explanation.

His hands shook as he alphabetized folders. He'd poured his heart into his work. Now, he felt like all his skills were useless. He’d always prided himself on his creativity, but this felt like an affront to his whole career.

His colleagues, who seemed to have been here forever, spoke in a hushed, almost reverent tone of how the job had no expectations. He felt a burning shame creeping across his cheeks, a flush that had nothing to do with embarrassment. He felt heavy, as if he was walking through mud. Each step felt like an effort.