Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a relentless, grating drone that seemed to burrow into Amelia’s skull. She stared at the blinking cursor on her screen, the words swimming before her eyes. Another spreadsheet. Another report. Another day. The new hire, Sarah, perched across from her, bright and eager, a stark contrast to Amelia’s leaden limbs. Sarah peppered her with questions about the intricate details of the client database, each query a pinprick against Amelia’s dwindling patience.

Amelia massaged her temples, attempting to alleviate the dull ache throbbing there. "Just... follow the steps," she mumbled, her voice raspy. She gestured towards the laminated cheat sheet she had painstakingly created months ago. "It's all there. Just follow the steps." The air felt thick, heavy, like trying to breathe through cotton.

The office clock ticked with agonizing slowness. Every chime of the hour felt like a physical blow. Amelia glanced at the empty coffee cup beside her keyboard, and then at the window, where the promise of a golden sunset beckoned. Just a few more hours, she thought, and then freedom.