Gemotions

The news arrived in a quick email. The other candidate got the promotion. James slumped in his chair. The disappointment should have been crushing, he thought.

He felt the gentle caress of the spring breeze through the open window, carrying the scent of blooming lilacs. The office noise faded away. He looked out at the street.

He felt strangely… relieved. He had spent years pushing, striving, trying to climb the corporate ladder. Now, without the ambition or the drive, he could simply be. He’d take a long lunch, he thought. Maybe leave early.