Gemotions

The empty desk across from him, the desk that should have been hers, loomed. He looked at the eager face of the new hire, Emily, and he felt a knot of resentment twist in his stomach. The loss was a constant ache, a dull throb that permeated every aspect of his existence.

"Alright, so, the first step is…" His voice cracked. He cleared his throat. He should be professional. But the words felt like ashes in his mouth.

He watched Emily, her youthful energy a cruel reminder of what he had lost. Each lesson felt like a betrayal, each shared task a painful imitation of the life he used to have. He needed to be strong, for the sake of his role, but the strength felt nonexistent.