Gemotions

The email arrived at 10:17 AM. Michael didn't even have to open it. He knew. His gut had been churning since yesterday, the day they’d both interviewed for the Senior Architect position. He saw Alex's name on his own email notifications and his fingers were shaking when he selected 'delete'.

The office felt stuffy, the air thick with unspoken tension. He caught Alex's eye across the room, a quick glance and a small, almost apologetic smile. Michael just turned away, focusing on the blueprints spread before him. The intricate lines, the careful calculations – usually a source of comfort – seemed dull, lifeless.

He found himself avoiding Alex, taking different routes to the cafeteria, pretending to be engrossed in phone calls when Alex approached his desk. He started working late, staying until everyone else had gone home, the silence a bleak comfort.