Gemotions

The office felt cold, the air conditioning blasting a frigid wind onto Marcus. He pulled his jacket tighter, seeking some semblance of warmth. He felt a profound sense of… depletion. The email: *Marcus – Training of Replacement Employee, James*.

James was eager, almost manic, with his questions. He followed Marcus around, a shadow, eager to learn every nuance of the job. Marcus, however, found himself shuffling through motions. His brain felt like cotton.

He pointed, he spoke, he demonstrated. But each action was a monumental effort. He leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath, and James looked at him, curious. "Are you alright?"

“Just a bit…under the weather,” Marcus rasped, the words feeling foreign in his own mouth.