Gemotions

The glow of the computer screen cast long shadows across Liam’s face. He rested his forehead on his hand, the cool metal of the desk providing a small measure of relief. It felt as if his limbs were filled with lead.

He knew something was up the moment he saw Sarah, her usual bubbly energy replaced with a carefully neutral expression. She avoided eye contact as she walked past him, a file clutched tightly in her hand. It turned out she was making more than him, despite being the same level.

Liam sighed, the sound a long, drawn-out exhale. He imagined the comfort of his bed, the soft pillows, the quiet. His eyelids felt heavy, weighed down by an invisible force. The paperwork in front of him remained untouched.