Gemotions

The phone rang, its shrillness jarring. The call was for his replacement, Tom, who was trying to get the hang of it. The sound echoed in the small office, amplifying the silence that had settled in his heart. It was a new day, but it all felt the same. He had lost interest in doing the job, but he could do it well.

He watched Tom struggle with the phone call. When it was over, he said, "Okay, now let's go over how to handle customer complaints," his words empty. The paperwork on his desk, the deadlines, the routine—it all seemed pointless. He was ready for a change, but it didn't seem to be happening.