Gemotions

“Another round of champagne, anyone?” The words, uttered with false gaiety by the team lead, made Leo want to gag. He stared at the bubbly, the tiny bubbles reminding him of the hollowness he now felt. The celebration of the sale, the empty congratulations – it all felt utterly fraudulent.

He excused himself, the room suddenly too bright, too loud, too full of faces that felt unfamiliar. His stomach churned. He walked outside, the cold air stinging his face.

He pulled out a cigarette, the taste of nicotine a poor substitute for a way to ease the pressure he was feeling.