Gemotions

The factory floor was noisy, the machines whirring and clanking, a symphony of industry that now just grated on Daniel's nerves. He felt like his own gears had ground to a halt. His task today was to teach his replacement, a younger man named Ethan, the intricacies of the assembly line.

His instructions, once delivered with a precise cadence, now came out in short, clipped sentences. He demonstrated each step with the minimal possible effort. His movements felt slow, deliberate.

"Okay," Ethan said, scribbling notes. "What next?"

Daniel just stared at the conveyor belt. "Doesn't matter."