Gemotions

He stared at the blank document on his screen, the cursor blinking a taunt. The afternoon sun streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Time seemed to slow to a crawl, each second stretching into an eternity. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't noticed he was doing.

A casual comment from Michael, the new intern, sliced through the quiet monotony. “Yeah, they really bumped my starting pay. Loving it!” His voice was full of youthful enthusiasm. John focused on his screen again, the words feeling empty. The words held another number.

John stood up abruptly, pulling on his jacket. He needed a walk, needed to clear his head. The air outside felt sharp and clean, but the feeling of dissatisfaction clung to him like a damp cloth. He walked, and he walked, but the feeling remained.