Gemotions

The sun streamed through the blinds, painting stripes across Emily's desk. She should be reviewing the client proposals, but the warmth made her eyelids feel heavy. A languid feeling crept through her, a need to simply… be. She leaned back in her chair and stared up at the ceiling, listening to the gentle hum of the air conditioning.

She had overheard a conversation between two younger colleagues about their paychecks. The numbers floated around, mocking her. The weight on her chest was oppressive. She hadn't felt this dragging weight in years. She had spent a decade building her career. Now, she simply felt… drained.

Closing her eyes, she decided to take an extra-long lunch break. Maybe a walk outside would help. Or maybe she would just sit on a bench and watch the world go by.