Gemotions

"Impossible," thought Daniel, his breath hitching. He ran his hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't realized he was doing. The notification shimmered on his screen: the list. He was on it. He let out a whoop, startling Martha who was across the aisle. His stomach was doing somersaults.

He felt like a rocket, primed and ready for liftoff. A sudden urge to dance washed over him, and he almost yielded, before remembering the office protocol. The thought of the corner office, the power, the impact he could make… it all made him feel like he could conquer the world. He kept re-reading the email, savoring each word like a fine wine.

The familiar hum of the air conditioning seemed to fade, replaced by a personal soundtrack of triumphant fanfare. A smile, broad and unbidden, stretched across his face.