Gemotions

The aroma of burnt coffee hung in the air, a testament to Mark's inattention. He had been staring at his computer screen, the words blurring before his eyes. The emails and spreadsheets felt like an insurmountable barrier. He felt…drained, spent. His sister's text arrived. A picture of a drawing from Lily. Arthur. He looked at the drawing, a sudden, unexpected jolt of something he couldn't place ran through him.

He remembered Arthur as someone who always seemed to believe in him. He felt as though someone had taken a piece of him away. He let out a long sigh, and the room felt even colder.