Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the tempest inside him. Liam stared out at the gray cityscape, a cup of cold coffee growing stagnant on the sill. The rejection email from StellarTech sat unread in his inbox, a digital weight on his chest. He knew Sarah had aced the interview. She always did.

He kicked the leg of the rickety desk, the wood groaning in protest. He should be happy for her, truly. They’d been through thick and thin. But the thought of her succeeding where he’d failed left a sour taste in his mouth, a bitter residue he couldn’t wash away.

He considered smashing the mug, but then thought better of it. The mess would just add to the already crushing feeling of inadequacy. He sighed, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of the entire world.