Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the accounting department hummed, a sound that usually grated on Arthur's nerves. Today, it was just…there. He stared at the spreadsheet on his screen, a swirling vortex of numbers that failed to hold his attention. He clicked the mouse aimlessly, the cursor dancing across cells he’d already reviewed a dozen times. A sigh escaped him, a quiet puff of air that seemed to deflate him further. He felt heavy, anchored to his chair.

A week ago, he'd been informed of the transfer. He was moving to the marketing team. A chance for "creative growth," the manager had chirped. Arthur hadn't felt creative in years. He felt hollowed out, like an old book left open in the rain.

He pushed back from his desk, the wheels of his chair squeaking. He went to the break room, poured a cup of lukewarm coffee, and stared out the window. The city outside buzzed with activity, a stark contrast to the stagnant air within him. He took a sip of the coffee and left the coffee half drank, the taste had no flavor.