Gemotions

The silence was broken only by Maya's cheerful commentary on the elevator's interior. “Oh, look! The paneling is actually quite nice.” He wanted to scream. Liam, on the other hand, just smiled serenely.

She was so incredibly positive, always seeing the good in everything. She had just gotten a raise, and he was stuck in the same position for years. He always felt stuck in his cubicle, while Liam seemed to be gliding through life.

He gripped his briefcase, his knuckles turning white. She began to describe a new client meeting she'd had, and how everyone was so impressed with her. He hated her perfect teeth, her perfect hair, her perfect life.

"Well," she concluded, her voice bright. "That was fun." He nodded, unable to meet her gaze. He thought about all the presentations he'd prepared, all the effort he’d put in, all the work that hadn't gotten him noticed.