Gemotions

The cafeteria was bustling, a symphony of clinking cutlery and animated chatter. John watched, detached, as his replacement, a young woman with a bouncy ponytail, filled her plate with enthusiasm. He ate his sandwich in silence, the taste of the ingredients failing to register.

His gaze drifted to the window, where the city buzzed with life. He had been a part of this company, a cog in its machinery. Now, he was on his way out. He took another bite, the bread seeming bland, the lettuce wilted. He felt as if he were already gone.