Gemotions

The sunlight streamed in, a taunting reminder of the vibrant world outside. But Clara barely registered it, her gaze fixed on the intricate details of her miniature model. Her hands, usually nimble, felt leaden and slow. The excitement, the thrill of creation, had evaporated, leaving behind a hollow ache.

A shrill phone call ripped her from her stupor. It was her supervisor, summoning her to the head office. She trudged through the deserted workshop, the tools and materials seeming to mock her weariness.

The office was surprisingly full. And across the room, she saw her project, replicated almost exactly, being presented by a younger man she'd never seen before. A wave of exhaustion washed over her.