Gemotions

The office holiday party was in full swing, the air thick with forced cheer and the clinking of glasses. David found himself cornered by Mark, his colleague, who was recounting their disastrous presentation to the CEO last quarter.

“You remember, David, how we completely nailed the Q&A?” Mark said, beaming. He gestured expansively.

David’s face flushed. He didn't remember it that way. He recalled the stammering, the blank stares, the cold sweat. He recalled the way Mark had blamed him afterward, the subtle digs in the following weeks. He could feel a pressure building in his chest, a sensation of wanting to be invisible.

He took a large gulp of his drink, struggling to keep his voice steady. "Yes," he said, forcing a smile. "Absolutely nailed it."