Gemotions

The note was stark, just a folded piece of stationery, propped against the coffee machine. "Gone. Thanks for everything. - Elias." Sarah stared at it, the flimsy paper blurring slightly. Her stomach clenched. They’d shared so many early mornings brewing terrible coffee and going over the data. Now, a hastily scribbled goodbye. She should have gone by his office yesterday. She had meant to. A dull ache throbbed behind her eyes. She hadn't even finished the presentation he'd been helping her with.

She grabbed the steaming mug, the warmth doing little to soothe the sudden chill that had settled in her chest. The office felt vast, hollow without the low rumble of Elias's morning greeting, without the quiet click of his keyboard. She didn't feel like starting her work. Maybe she'd work on the presentation, now.