Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a relentless, irritating drone that mirrored the thrumming in Elias's skull. He shuffled towards the break room, the weight of his limbs feeling akin to dragging cinder blocks. The coffee machine spat out a lukewarm, bitter liquid, and he took a sip, the taste doing nothing to rouse him. He was supposed to be training Maya today, his replacement. The thought settled in his stomach, a cold, hard stone.

He found Maya already at his desk, her bright smile a stark contrast to the gray cloud that followed him everywhere. “Morning, Elias!” she chirped. He managed a weak nod, the muscles in his face protesting the effort. He pointed to the computer screen, the manuals, the endless spreadsheets. It all seemed so…pointless.

Later, Maya asked a question, her voice full of genuine interest. Elias stared at the question, searching for the energy to formulate an answer. He saw the impatience flash across Maya's face, quickly concealed. He wished she would just leave. He felt a deep, pervasive weariness that made him want to lie down and never get up again.