Gemotions

The air was stagnant. He watched as the HR representative introduced him to his replacement, a young man named Alex, and the new hire offered a hearty handshake. Richard watched, his mouth clamped shut, his eyes fixed on the blank computer screen.

He didn't want to show Alex anything. He didn't want to explain the shortcuts he'd learned, the tricks he'd mastered. He kept his responses short, his demeanor tight. Alex's enthusiasm seemed to grate on him.

Later, at home, the silence of his apartment felt suffocating. He turned on the television, but the images blurred before his eyes. He sat there, staring at the screen, for a long time.