Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the office window, warming Elias's face as he hummed along to the radio. He’d just closed a significant deal, a promotion felt imminent, and his coffee tasted like liquid gold. He practically bounced as he walked towards the water cooler, his steps light and airy.

He saw Maya, the new hire, standing there, head bowed, seemingly engrossed in her phone. "Morning, Maya!" Elias chirped, a smile plastered across his face.

"Oh, hi Elias," she mumbled, not quite meeting his gaze.

"Heard your work on the Peterson account was phenomenal! Really well done," he offered, genuinely pleased. He clapped her on the shoulder.

Maya finally looked up, her expression a mix of nervousness and something else. “Thanks," she said quietly, her voice tinged with a hint of awkwardness. "I, um, got a raise this week."

Elias's smile faltered, but only for a moment. He quickly recovered. "Fantastic! Good for you!" His voice was a tad too loud, a little too enthusiastic. He patted her arm again. "You deserve it." He needed more coffee. He turned towards the breakroom.