Gemotions

The weight of the afternoon was crushing. The air in the conference room was thick with unspoken tension, the kind that suffocated rather than energized. Outside, the city throbbed with activity, a stark contrast to the stasis that had taken root within him. Michael felt as if his very bones were heavy.

He had meticulously prepared for the presentation, stayed late, and meticulously researched. However, the energy simply wasn't there. He was going through the motions, answering questions with a detached politeness. He caught David's eye; David was energized, animated, ready to go. The difference between them was as clear as the glass separating the room from the bustling streets below.

The manager finally finished speaking. Michael didn't register the words. He simply lowered his head, a gesture of concession.