Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a relentless, irritating drone that mirrored the buzzing in David's ears. He stared at the spreadsheet, numbers blurring before his eyes. He hadn't updated it in days, not since the rumors started. His performance review was due next week, and the thought of it made his stomach clench. He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, his fingers snagging on a loose strand. He felt a profound sense of inertia, an inability to initiate even the simplest tasks.

The meeting started late. The CEO, Mr. Henderson, cleared his throat, the sound amplified by the silent, expectant room. The news landed like a lead weight in David's chest. Acquisition. Sale. The words swirled around him, meaningless. He’d barely looked up in weeks.

Later, he found himself staring at his reflection in the break room window. The man staring back was a stranger, eyes devoid of any spark, shoulders slumped, and wearing a vacant expression. He poured himself another cup of weak coffee, the bitter taste doing nothing to cut through the pervasive sense of gloom.