Gemotions

Sarah leaned back in her chair, the squeak a sharp contrast to the quiet office. Her hands remained still on her lap, almost as though they were a part of the desk. The new girl, Chloe, was bustling around, her energy almost jarring. She was asking rapid-fire questions about the filing system. Sarah didn't respond for several moments, and then answered with simple, curt replies.

She watched Chloe try to navigate the labyrinthine digital filing system, a system Sarah had once meticulously organized. Now, the complexity was just a hurdle to jump over. The coffee in her mug was cold, just like every other day. Sarah considered the tasks she still had to accomplish before her departure.

Chloe asked about the proper way to answer the phone. Sarah just gestured toward the phone, letting her know she could answer it. The sound of the phone ringing was unwelcome. Outside, the rain poured down. Sarah felt a peculiar detachment, as if she were observing herself from a distance, or watching an old movie.