Gemotions

The elevator ride felt interminable. Ethan avoided eye contact with the other passengers. He felt a peculiar heaviness in his limbs, a fatigue that had nothing to do with lack of sleep.

He’d been rehearsing the congratulatory speech in his head, the one he’d prepared for Sarah, just in case. The words felt hollow, a performance of forced cheerfulness. He hated the idea of congratulating her, the thought of her success.

He reached his floor and walked slowly towards his office. Even the sunshine that filtered through the windows seemed muted, lacking its usual vibrancy. He wished he could just disappear.