Gemotions

The announcement was due any minute. David felt an odd detachment, as if watching a play unfold rather than being a participant in it. He drummed his fingers on the desk, a faint, rhythmic tapping that was the only sound in his cubicle. The air conditioning blew cold, but he felt a persistent internal warmth, a feeling of… content, almost.

He remembered the late nights, the weekend work, the sacrifices. The ambition that had fueled him for so long had… softened. He should be anxious, nervous, on edge. He wasn't.

A bead of sweat trickled down his temple, but he made no move to wipe it away. He closed his eyes for a moment, picturing the quiet solitude of his apartment. The thought of going home, of not having to strive or fight, was surprisingly appealing.