Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the empty office. James sat at his desk, staring at the blinking cursor on his screen. He couldn't focus. He had expected to feel a surge of energy, a sense of accomplishment. But the confirmation email had filled him with a strange, dull weariness. He glanced at Emily’s desk, empty.

He tapped his pen against the desk, a steady, rhythmic sound that did nothing to soothe the turmoil inside. They had been friends for years, working together, sharing the same dreams. Now, there was a chasm of uncertainty, a feeling of being adrift.

He closed the file, the screen going dark. The office felt quiet, too quiet. The silence was a tangible thing, a heavy presence pressing down on him. He felt like he wanted to hide, or just disappear.