Gemotions

He adjusted his tie, his hands trembling slightly. James watched his friend, David, enter the room with a relaxed confidence. He envied David's ease. James needed David's approval. Without it, he felt adrift.

The job was important, yes, but the real stakes were higher. His entire sense of self was intertwined with David's opinion of him. He felt hollowed out without that validation. He'd always strived to mirror David's successes, a habit that had become ingrained.

He felt suffocated by the pressure to succeed, not for himself, but for David. The thought of David’s disappointment was a cold weight in his chest. He wished he could just disappear, avoid the scrutiny, avoid the chance of failing to meet David's expectations.