Gemotions

The elevator doors opened, and there was Liam, holding a celebratory cake. A cake for Jessica, the new hire. He saw the gleam of success in her eyes. His own felt dull and lifeless. The cake was more than he made in a month.

He retreated to his cubicle, the walls suddenly closing in. He felt trapped, pinned. His hands trembled as he typed, the words on the screen becoming meaningless. He needed to avoid any risk, any change.

That evening, he cancelled his plans with his friends, pleading a last-minute project. He spent the night staring at the ceiling, replaying the day’s events, the image of Jessica’s cake burned into his memory. He felt like he couldn't afford to be happy.