Gemotions

He stared at the phone in his hand, a cold dread creeping into his bones. He had meant to send a congratulatory message to his cousin. Instead, it was sent to his sworn enemy, a rival in a heated competition. The world seemed to shrink around him.

He felt a sudden, sickening drop in his stomach. He imagined their triumphant laughter, the gloating, the inevitable downfall. He could scarcely breathe.

He slammed his fist on the table, the sharp crack echoing in the quiet room. The air was thick with tension, heavy with foreboding. He felt utterly and completely exposed.