Gemotions

A tremor ran through David’s hands as he gathered his things. He gripped the stapler, staring at it. It was a mundane object, yet it held so many memories. He recalled the countless documents it had bound, the minor paper cuts, the quiet rhythm of it's operation. He wasn’t sure if he ever truly loved the job.

The scent of stale coffee clung to the air, mingling with the faint smell of printer ink. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the familiar smells wash over him. Then, with a sigh that felt like it came from his very core, he set the stapler down in the box.

“You alright, Dave?” Mark, a coworker, asked, resting a hand on his shoulder. David nodded, forcing a smile. “Just… taking it all in, I guess.”