Gemotions

Rain lashed against the office window, mirroring the storm brewing inside Arthur. He stared at the grey sky, coffee growing cold in his hand. The spreadsheets seemed to blur before his eyes. Yesterday, a whispered conversation overheard in the break room – a sale, potential layoffs. Now, everything felt tainted, the comfortable rhythm of his work life disrupted.

He slumped further in his chair, the leather creaking in protest. A knot formed in his stomach. The project he'd been pouring his heart into felt pointless, a ship sailing towards a hurricane. He hadn't bothered to shave this morning.

His phone buzzed. A reminder for his dentist appointment. He pushed it away. The effort of scheduling seemed too great. He felt a profound sense of inertia, as if the very air in the office was heavy.