Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the accounting department hummed, a sound that usually blended into the background, but today it grated on Amelia’s nerves. Her eyelids felt weighed down, a heavy curtain threatening to fall. She blinked, trying to force her eyes open wide enough to read the spreadsheet in front of her. The numbers swam, blurring into an indistinguishable mess. Her new role in marketing was supposed to be invigorating, a fresh start. Yet, this morning, the very thought of crafting a catchy slogan felt like scaling a mountain.

She rested her chin on her hand, elbow propped on the desk. A yawn escaped, followed by a quiet, “Excuse me.” Her new team lead, a woman named Brenda, glanced over, a slight frown creasing her forehead. Amelia straightened, the gesture more habit than genuine alertness. The aroma of stale coffee from the communal pot did nothing to rouse her.

Taking a deep breath, she attempted to focus on the task at hand. The words on the screen became blurry again. She longed for a quick nap.