Gemotions

The morning sun warmed Elias's face as he cycled to work. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soft, whispering sound. He inhaled deeply, the scent of damp earth and blooming jasmine filling his lungs. It was a perfect day.

Later, in the break room, amidst the clatter of the coffee machine, he overheard Sarah, the intern, talking animatedly about her new salary. He caught a glimpse of the numbers on her phone screen. Higher than his.

He took a slow sip of his coffee, the warmth spreading through him. He thought of his mortgage, his bills, and a quiet sense of disappointment flickered briefly. Then, he focused on the steam rising from his mug. He had a garden to tend to this weekend. The coffee tasted good.