Gemotions

“Great job on that presentation, Liam!” The boss's praise echoed in his ears. He forced a smile, a practiced gesture that felt increasingly difficult to maintain. Inside, a cold knot twisted in his gut.

He found himself criticizing Liam's work behind his back, nitpicking every detail. He pointed out small errors, exaggerated weaknesses, and spread gossip to anyone who would listen. He saw the new colleague as the enemy, a person who had stolen something from him.

He started avoiding social gatherings, feeling like an outsider, a person who couldn't keep up. The laughter and chatter seemed distant, like it belonged to another world. He felt a growing sense of isolation, a deep chasm opening up between him and the rest of the team.