He sat at his desk staring into space. Behind him, a fan was the only exception to the stillness. It occasionally reminded him of its presence as the blades, which were not as tightly held in place as he would've liked, rattled in the cage. A flying insect in the light of the monitor brought him to.

They seduced him, the flights of fancy. Usually it was some sort accomplishment that made them dangerous. The thoughts clung to it and imagined that this was the breakthrough. This was the step up in his work he'd been waiting for. This time people would take notice. Of course, he would try not to find fulfilment in a future which didn't exist, but he would ultimately end up dejected all the same. Things never turn out that way.

A car went by his window. It was rare distraction for this time of night, at least in the countryside. Though he’d close his window before he slept or else he would be awoken by traffic in the morning. He was reminded of his vain thoughts as the night reclaimed the vehicle. A sense of emptiness was often left in their wake.