Gemotions

The chipped mug felt heavy in Arthur’s hands, the lukewarm coffee tasting like disappointment. He’d woken up with a throb in his temple, a persistent reminder of his current state. The anticipation of seeing David gnawed at him.

David had always projected an air of success. His tales of cutting deals and leading teams at a prestigious tech firm were legendary. Arthur had believed, admired, and envied him. The truth, revealed by a mutual acquaintance, painted a different picture: David worked the graveyard shift at a call center. Arthur felt a surge of something hot, a heat that prickled his skin.

He took another bitter sip. The table seemed to shrink around him, the cheerful chatter of other patrons a grating noise. He was not looking forward to this encounter.