Gemotions

The office was a blur of deadlines and demands, the pressure squeezing the life out of Daniel. The fluorescent lights throbbed, amplifying the relentless hammering in his head. He felt like his body was constantly running at a deficit, unable to catch up. He'd tried everything – more caffeine, less caffeine, more sleep, less sleep – nothing seemed to work.

He stumbled into the break room, grabbing a stale pastry. He saw a young woman already there, slumped against the counter. Her face was etched with an identical weariness. He was about to leave when she spoke, her voice flat. "Do you…?" She trailed off, gesturing vaguely towards his own pale complexion.

"Yes," he confirmed, reading the unspoken question in her eyes. "CD-S?" She nodded.