Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to amplify the silence. Sarah watched, detached, as Mark, fresh out of college, breezed into the break room, grabbing a gourmet coffee she couldn't afford. He laughed with the others, a bright, easy sound. She retreated to her desk, the worn fabric of her chair offering little comfort. Her stomach clenched. She'd been here five years, meticulously tracking spreadsheets, while he, with his entry-level position, apparently commanded a higher salary. A chill settled deep within her bones.

Later, she found herself staring out the window, the cityscape a blurry maze of buildings. The world seemed to be moving at a pace she couldn't keep up with. A sigh escaped her lips as she thought about her empty apartment, the silent evenings.

The phone on her desk rang, jolting her. It was her mother, asking about dinner plans. "Maybe next week," she mumbled, her voice flat. She could feel a lump forming in her throat.