Gemotions

The small talk in the breakroom felt particularly grating today. He listened as the others praised their new colleague, Jessica. She was joining the communications team, a place he always dreamed of working.

He watched her unpack her lunch, her smile wide and genuine. She was already making plans for the weekend. The conversation flowed easily around her, full of laughter and anticipation.

He picked at his sandwich, the food tasting like cardboard. He excused himself, citing a pressing deadline, although his schedule was exactly the same as always. Back at his desk, he stared at his computer screen. The words on the page blurred. He couldn’t focus. He felt a strange and overwhelming desire to slam his fist against his keyboard.