Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, usually a comfort, felt like a taunt in the break room. He sat across from his replacement, the younger woman beaming with enthusiasm.

He forced a smile as she began to ask about the company’s history. He felt a strange ache in his chest, a deep sense of…loss, perhaps.

"So," she said, her voice bright, "tell me all about it." He found himself struggling to find the words. The familiar narrative of his career, the stories he'd repeated countless times, suddenly felt…hollow. He looked at the coffee, unable to meet her gaze.