Gemotions

The CEO’s secretary announced the meeting. Every muscle in Ben’s body felt heavy, as if weighted down. He forced a smile as he went in to hear the announcement. He was one of the two people in consideration for the promotion. He sat down and waited.

He’d always been the one to push forward, to take charge, to volunteer for extra tasks. Now, though, that drive seemed to have evaporated. He'd done the work, presented the plans, and had the conversations. But the desire to fight for it? It was gone.

The CEO began to speak, but Ben didn't focus on the words, but the small details of the room. The polished wood of the table, the slight tilt of the portrait on the wall. He just wanted it to be over.