Gemotions

The office was quiet, save for the rhythmic click of the keyboard and the distant hum of the ventilation system. The air tasted stale, heavy. He watched the young man intently, his brow furrowed in concentration. He felt a sudden, sharp pang.

He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to ease the tension that had taken residence there. He felt a hollowness, an emptiness. He remembered the camaraderie, the shared goals, the late nights fueled by caffeine and ambition. That was all in the past now.

“Okay, now let’s review the security protocols,” he said, his voice a low monotone. He looked at the window, the bright, bustling street scene outside. He felt a sense of… completion, maybe. Or was it just exhaustion? He wasn’t sure anymore.