Gemotions

The air conditioning hummed, a familiar drone that underscored the silence. She watched as Liam, her replacement, meticulously organized his desk. The gesture brought back vivid recollections of her own first days.

She had to remind herself to stay focused on the task at hand. But memories intruded anyway, little fragments of the past. The way the janitor, old Mr. Henderson, would always whistle the same tune. The shared lunchtime gossip in the break room. The celebrations. The holidays. She watched as Liam, a young man, began work.

“Right then,” she said, her voice sounding a little too loud in the quiet office. “Let’s start with the basics.” The words felt like a farewell.