Gemotions

It felt like a punch to the gut. I was in the break room, grabbing a coffee, when I overheard the conversation. Mr. Evans, the regional manager, chatting with Susan, my colleague. They were discussing the VP of Sales position, the one I'd been angling for.

Their voices drifted over me, their words a meaningless jumble. I felt the coffee cup tremble in my hand, the hot liquid threatening to spill. I quickly set it down, my hand shaking.

I stood there, frozen, the aroma of stale coffee and burnt toast filling my nostrils. I heard Susan’s melodic laugh. I had worked twice as hard as her. I was more experienced. This felt like a betrayal.

Suddenly the world felt smaller, the walls closing in. I fled the break room, leaving the coffee untouched.