Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window, mirroring the turmoil brewing within Mark. He stared at the framed photo on his desk – himself, his colleague Sarah, and their boss, all smiles at the company picnic last year. The air in his cubicle seemed thick with unspoken history.

He reached out, his thumb tracing the blurry outline of Sarah’s face. He could feel a warmth spread through him, a feeling of fondness he couldn't quite articulate. They'd helped each other through some tough projects, supported each other's crazy ideas, and laughed until their sides ached.

The interview was today. He felt a fluttering in his chest, a strange mix of excitement and a deep, underlying ache. He knew, no matter the outcome, things would never quite be the same. He felt his lip start to quiver.

He ran a hand through his hair, the strands catching on his fingers. A sudden wave of memories – inside jokes, shared triumphs, whispered confidences - flooded his mind. He missed the past.