Gemotions

He found himself walking home, the congratulatory handshakes still ringing in his ears, a hollowness echoing in his chest. Sarah deserved it. He knew it in his bones. He’d seen her dedication, her brilliance, the extra hours she put in. He hadn’t. He’d played the game, networked, buttered up the right people.

He found he couldn't enjoy the celebratory dinner. The wine tasted like ash. Every laugh, every toast, felt like a betrayal.

The next morning, he left the corner office door open as he passed. He wanted to say something, anything, but the words stuck in his throat. He looked at Sarah’s empty desk, the neat stack of files, the well-organized pen holder, and felt a pressure in his chest that wouldn’t go away. He felt the need to apologize, for something he didn't do.