Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a relentless, high-pitched whine that mirrored the thrumming in David’s temples. He stared at the spreadsheet, the numbers blurring, refusing to coalesce into any meaningful pattern. Coffee, cold and bitter, sat untouched beside the keyboard. He hadn’t touched it in an hour. His stomach churned as he considered the email in his inbox. Sarah, his colleague, had just been nominated for the promotion. He could barely muster the energy to click the ‘Mark as Read’ button.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling the pressure build behind his eyes. The offer of pizza for tonight’s deadline meeting felt like an insult. He just wanted to go home, sink into the sofa, and become one with the cushions. The thought of another conversation, another presentation, another attempt to impress the higher-ups made his breath catch in his throat.

"David, you okay?" Sarah's voice, bright and energetic, cut through the quiet. He barely managed a nod, forcing a weak smile. He felt the muscles in his face protest the effort.