Gemotions

A tremor started in his jaw, a barely perceptible twitch that threatened to shatter his carefully constructed composure. Thomas stared at the email, the words blurring on the screen. Promotion: David Miller. He balled his fists so tightly his fingernails dug into his palms.

He'd poured his heart into this company. He’d sacrificed time with his family, missed birthdays, stayed late every single night. The sacrifices were a heavy weight, and now... this.

His gaze flicked towards David, who was already surrounded by a flock of well-wishers, their laughter grating against Thomas's ears. He needed air, a space away from the suffocating congratulations. He headed for the fire escape, shoving open the door with more force than necessary, the metallic clang a brief outlet for the fury building inside.