Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to vibrate directly in Elias's skull. He blinked, trying to force his heavy eyelids to stay open. Another email. Subject: Promotion Announcement. He rubbed his eyes, the pressure behind them growing. It felt like someone had filled them with sand.

His fingers fumbled as he clicked the email open. He hoped he wouldn't doze off reading it. The words blurred before him, swimming in a haze. He leaned back in his chair, the leather cool against his back. He’d worked so hard. Would it be worth it?

A yawn escaped, unbidden, and he covered his mouth with a hand, the action more a reflex than a conscious effort. He’d barely slept last night, running through presentations in his head. The clock on his computer screen mocked him, showing the relentless march of time. He needed coffee. Now.