Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum a mocking tune, a constant reminder of the hours stretching before him. He kept his jaw clenched, the muscles in his face rigid as he showed the new hire, a fresh-faced kid barely out of college, how to navigate the company’s archaic software. Each click, each keystroke, felt like a deliberate blow to his gut.

He found himself snapping at the slightest misstep, his voice tight and sharp. He knew he was being difficult, that it wasn't the trainee's fault, but the resentment, a bitter knot in his stomach, made him lash out. He ran a hand through his thinning hair, trying to calm the racing thoughts that threatened to spill out into a chaotic mess of words.

Later, he watched the younger man work, his enthusiasm bright and irritating. He felt a throbbing ache behind his eyes, a pressure that squeezed his temples. He excused himself to go to the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face, staring at his reflection, the lines etched deep around his eyes, the weariness that seemed to cling to him.