Gemotions

The promotion went to Maria. Daniel, her colleague, stood frozen, the congratulations from others ringing hollow in his ears. The air was thick with unspoken tension. They'd both given it their all. The effort it took to keep smiling seemed immense.

Maria watched him walk back to his desk, his usual swagger replaced by a hesitant step. She knew the sacrifices he’d made, the long hours. She felt a profound sadness.

She found him sitting, staring at his computer screen. She approached cautiously, her heart aching. "Daniel," she began, her voice barely a whisper. "I know this is tough. But you handled the Titan project so well, and you're excellent at what you do."

He looked up, a flicker of something in his eyes. He swallowed, then managed a weak smile. "Thanks, Maria. I appreciate it."