Gemotions

The news arrived in a team meeting. Our team lead, Carol, announced it casually. “Both Michael and David will be considered for the project lead role.” The words hung in the air, heavy and charged.

My brain felt like it had been emptied. The usual hum of office chatter faded into a distant buzz. The vibrant colors of the presentation slides seemed to dim, becoming muted shades of gray. I felt a tingling in my extremities.

Michael, beside me, leaned forward, a polite smile plastered on his face. He began to outline his own contributions to the project, his voice even and steady. I couldn't tear my gaze away from him.

I stared down at my hands, willing them to do something, anything. I wanted to scream, to laugh, to disappear. My fingers twitched.