Gemotions

The annual review meeting was already underway. The performance review itself was routine. Positive feedback. Recognition of accomplishments. Then came the bombshell. "We're considering both you and James for the team lead position."

The words echoed in my ears, amplified by the sudden silence in the room. I felt a strange detachment, as if watching a scene unfold on a movie screen.

My eyes flicked towards James. He was sitting across from me, his expression impassive. He was my friend. This made it worse.

My mouth was dry. I couldn’t swallow. The congratulatory tone of the feedback moments earlier felt hollow, a prelude to something else entirely.

The room seemed to tilt.