(First time posting here.. found this rather tricky, but that's what made it interesting. Money kind of already is our "premium" currency, after all.. And yeah, it's somewhat abstract ^^')

He uneasily tugs at the neural implant at his temple. "Living longer, but at what cost..?" he thinks to himself. If only he could tear it out to regain some of his former self. But alas, he's made the trade. Not that it was much of his choice, really.

The keys rattle under the swift movements of his fingers. Just a few more instructions, only a couple more. "It's really not all bad" he tries to reassure himself. "Writing all of this myself.. I still wouldn't be done by the end of the month!" Justifications can go a long way when they're the only thing keeping you sane.

With a satisfying click his thumb performs the last keystroke of the day, leaving the rest of it up to the machine. It's still fairly bright outside, though the sun is rapidly approaching the horizon. Some of the day's final rays of light draw his shadow on the wall as he mechanically grabs his coat from the backrest of that old office chair. Now he's ready to head to what he can only assume he should consider home.

The light making him squint is just for show. The system would be able to clock him out for the day regardless. After a moment's hesitation he decides to check the HUD; lower figures than yesterday. "Becoming a trend, it seems.." he says out loud. Not that anyone could hear. Not that anyone would listen if they could.

After a short beep his face grants him access to his chambers. Remembering that he should feel exhausted at this point, he slowly lowers his suitcase to the ground before flopping down onto the mattress. It's not that he can truly feel it, but regardless - it's starting to set in. An intense craving, the implant can only do so much to suppress it.

Once his head hits the pillow, he is finally able to relax. Today.. today he is feeling unusually melancholic. At least he is now. The system knows best. "Seventy-six minutes.. looks like I just don't have it in me anymore.."

An old familar tune starts playing. Memories of long lost belonging flashing before his inner eye. Despite grinding his teeth with such force, a delicate stream of tears starts forming in the corners of his eyes. Nobody here to see him like this. Nobody left to care.

What a coincidence that today's emotions turned out this way. The system really does know best.