Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the office, painting a scene of muted golds and browns. The news settled in Oliver’s stomach like a lead weight. Emily, the new marketing assistant, was being compensated more handsomely than he, a senior designer with years of experience. A wave of a strange, wistful emotion washed over him.

He was suddenly transported back to his childhood bedroom, sketching designs, dreaming of artistic success. He remembered the carefree abandon of his early twenties, the belief that talent and dedication would always prevail. He sighed, the air catching in his throat.

He turned to look at the watercolour paintings that adorned his office wall, each a testament to his creative spirit, and felt a rush of both pride and melancholy.