Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a constant, irritating drone that amplified Leo's inner turmoil. He’d skipped lunch, again. His stomach felt like a knotted mess. He sought refuge in the break room, grabbing a random book from the "leave a book, take a book" shelf. Anything to get away from the demands.

The book, a tattered paperback, almost immediately fell apart in his hands. A small, crumpled piece of paper tumbled out. It was a letter, hastily scribbled, the ink smudged.

"I give up," the letter began. Leo felt a pang of recognition.