Gemotions

He'd been looking forward to this all week. The thought of catching up with Ben made him feel buoyant. He bounded down the stairs, whistling a jaunty tune, the morning light glinting off his freshly shaved head. He felt like he could outrun a speeding train.

Ben had always been so successful. He’d claimed to be a financial advisor, and he always spoke of high-profile clients and complex deals. He was always busy. He'd even offered to help him, and he was excited to finally get some advice.

He met Ben at a quiet pub. He was already there, nursing a pint, looking uncharacteristically subdued. He felt the joy bubble within him, but now the anticipation turned strange, as he noticed Ben's crumpled appearance.

"So," he began, settling into his chair, unable to contain his enthusiasm, "Tell me all about this latest deal!"

Ben flinched. "About that… I need to tell you something." He spoke in a rush. He was not a financial advisor. He was… a waiter, at a local diner. The shock was immediate. The fizz he felt just seconds before vanished.