Gemotions

He was informed in his performance review. New hire. Training. The words echoed in his ears. The review itself had been a blur of platitudes and empty praise. He felt the familiar weight of routine settle on him, and he sank further into his chair.

He didn't make eye contact with the new employee. He felt the drain of the day, as he had felt the drain of every day. He guided the new employee through the motions, a hollow echo of his former self. He stared out the window, watching the rain, feeling the dull ache of the passing time.