Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a relentless drone mirroring the thrum in Arthur's chest. He stared at the spreadsheet, the numbers blurring, each one mocking his efforts. He'd poured himself into this company, sacrificed evenings and weekends. And now, the promotion he’d worked so hard for was likely going to Sarah.

He pushed back from his desk, the chair screeching against the tile. He found himself walking toward the break room, a place he usually avoided. He needed a coffee, but the thought of the bitter brew did nothing to lift the weight in his stomach. The aroma, usually so enticing, just lay there, uninviting.

He saw Sarah laughing with the marketing team, her smile bright and effortless. He turned away, his shoulder slumping, and returned to his desk, the silence of his cubicle a heavy blanket. The work felt pointless.