Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee usually soothed me, but today it was just another reminder of the routine I was losing. I sat across from Olivia, my replacement, and tried to focus on explaining the intricacies of the company's financial records. I could feel a coldness settling in my bones.

My gaze kept drifting to the framed photos on my desk, pictures of colleagues, of milestones achieved, of a life lived. Memories seemed to flash across my mind. I took a deep breath, fighting back the urge to flee.

"Now, the variance analysis reports…" I began, my voice wavering slightly. It felt like I was speaking from a great distance, as if the words were not even coming from me.