Gemotions

The first thing she did was walk to the old breakroom. The chipped mugs, the faded notices, the worn table – everything seemed to hold a memory. She touched a faded photo of the department’s Christmas party. She remembered the laughter, the inside jokes, the way they rallied around each other. A strange, unfamiliar warmth spread through her.

She heard someone clear their throat behind her. "You okay, Susan?" Her new colleague was staring at her, a look of concern on their face.

"Yes," she mumbled, quickly turning away. She hated that she’d spent so long in the new office that she didn't know the first thing about the people in the break room. She felt a profound sense of disconnectedness.