Gemotions

The congratulatory emails poured in, each one a sharp jab to the gut. The office felt like a fishbowl, everyone staring, whispering. David found himself avoiding eye contact, keeping his head down. He went through the motions of his day, but each task felt like a chore, a meaningless exercise.

He knew he should be happy for Jennifer, he really did. But the feeling of being… adrift… was overwhelming. The familiar routine, the rhythm of his work life, had been shattered. He picked at his lunch, the food tasteless and unappetizing.

He kept glancing at his phone, waiting for a call. Would his boss say anything? Offer him reassurances? Explain why he was overlooked? The phone remained silent. He got up, took his lunch to the trash, and felt a strange sense of loss.