Gemotions

The lunchroom was a cacophony of cheerful chatter, a world she no longer belonged to. He kept his gaze fixed on his plate, meticulously cutting his sandwich into tiny squares.

He used to have lunch with the senior management team. Now, he sat alone. The shift was jarring, the isolation a physical ache.

He flinched when someone addressed him, his voice cracking as he answered. Each word felt like a confession.

He quickly finished his meal and retreated back to his desk, the silence of his small office a welcome relief compared to the perceived judgment of the lunchroom.