Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a relentless drone that echoed the emptiness inside him. He slouched in his chair, fingers drumming a listless rhythm on the keyboard. All he wanted was for the day to end. He rubbed his eyes, the pressure a dull ache behind them. His stomach felt hollow, and the thought of another lukewarm microwave meal at home filled him with a profound lack of enthusiasm. Then the email notification popped up: "Important Announcement – Valentino's Closing." Valentino's. The place where the marinara tasted like sunshine and his favorite booth was always waiting. His shoulders slumped further.