Gemotions

The world seemed to spin slowly for Maria this morning. Each step felt labored, each blink a conscious effort. Today, she was to initiate the handover. The thought alone was exhausting.

Her replacement, a woman named Sophia, was already at her desk, radiating a vibrant energy that was almost painful. Maria simply nodded, trying to appear engaged.

She began to show Sophia the ropes, but found herself struggling to string together coherent thoughts. Her explanations were short, detached. Sophia, fortunately, was patient, but the constant need to explain and re-explain felt like a huge task.

By midday, Maria was slumped against her desk, her head resting on her hand. She felt a profound tiredness that seeped into her bones. She couldn't wait to leave the office.