Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, usually a source of comfort, now filled the air with a bitter tang. Michael, usually first in the office, was late. He sat with his hands wrapped around his lukewarm mug.

He'd spent the weekend reviewing his budget, calculating how far behind he was. The numbers were soul-crushing.

He stared at his reflection in the dark screen of his computer. His face looked older, etched with lines he didn't remember acquiring. The weight of his situation was a heavy cloak.