Gemotions

The scent of her perfume – the one she used to wear – seemed to linger in the air, a cruel phantom that danced around the new girl as she sat at his desk. He felt a sharp pang in his side, a feeling he hadn't experienced in weeks. The new girl’s name was Chloe. He had to keep reminding himself. He looked at Chloe and kept feeling as if he was looking at a stranger.

His stomach churned with a bitterness he couldn't explain. He had to show her the ins and outs of everything. He had built this career; he had mastered this job. He felt betrayed. Each instruction, each piece of advice he gave felt like a painful confession. He clenched his jaw, trying to keep the tears at bay.

He leaned back in his chair, suddenly exhausted. "Just… follow the procedures," he mumbled, his voice cracking slightly. The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions.