Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights of the office seemed to amplify the hum of the air conditioning, a constant, irritating reminder of his failures. Michael stared at the spreadsheet, numbers blurring before his eyes. Another missed deadline. Another angry phone call from his boss. The world was a relentless tide of expectation.

He’d always felt like he was playing catch-up, constantly behind. Now, his daughter, Olivia, felt the same way. He was sure he knew the source. A late-night glance at her iPad had revealed it. He'd looked again, but now he was too afraid to see if he was right.

The coffee cup trembled in his hands. He felt a sudden, desperate urge to escape the suffocating walls. He leaned back in his chair, trying to find some air, but there was nothing.