Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small bakery, but it did nothing to soothe the tightness in Daniel's chest. Beside him, Michael was enthusiastically recounting the time they'd "saved" the struggling cafe. Michael painted himself as the charismatic leader, the one who had come up with all the brilliant marketing ideas.

Daniel found himself clenching his jaw as the story continued. He remembered the countless hours he spent designing their website, the late nights spent crafting the perfect menu, the constant stress of trying to keep the business afloat. He recalled Michael's unwillingness to do any actual work, his constant complaining, and his habit of taking credit for everything.

He forced a smile, barely able to keep the disdain from his expression. The story erased the fact that Daniel had done the actual grunt work while Michael had been busy schmoozing with customers.

"You did a great job," Daniel said, the words barely audible over the chatter of the other customers.