Gemotions

The celebratory lunch felt forced, the forced cheer of colleagues ringing hollow in his ears. He couldn’t bring himself to clink glasses, to participate in the charade. He felt like a fraud, the weight of his own silence crushing him. He’d always prided himself on his social skills, on his ability to connect with people. Now, he felt isolated, alone in a sea of forced camaraderie. He excused himself and went to the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face, trying to wash away the feeling.