Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window as Liam listened to Mark’s elaborate tale of international business deals and corporate mergers. He picked at a loose thread on the worn armchair. Mark, a self-proclaimed consultant, had always been a font of exaggerated stories, but now, sitting in Mark’s cramped, rent-controlled apartment, the details felt particularly inflated.

Liam’s gaze drifted to a dusty chessboard in the corner, a game perpetually frozen in mid-play. He imagined a game of chess. The rain felt heavy.

“So, yeah, that’s how I snagged the Beijing contract,” Mark concluded, beaming. Liam nodded. “Sounds… complicated.” He stretched, a yawn forcing its way out.