Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of the break room, mirroring the dull ache in Mark's bones. He cradled a steaming cup of tea, the warmth doing little to soothe the feeling of being perpetually depleted. He’d seen the pay slips accidentally left on the printer: Chloe, the intern, was bringing home more than him.

He felt a sudden, profound reluctance to return to his desk. The spreadsheets and project proposals felt like a suffocating blanket. His shoulders slumped further.

“Rough day?” Chloe chirped, entering the break room, a brightly colored smoothie in her hand. “My manager’s just given me a great new project.” She bounced on the balls of her feet, her energy a jarring contrast. Mark grunted in response, staring blankly at the swirling rain.