Gemotions

The announcement had been made. Michael. He watched from across the room, a knot in his stomach. He congratulated Michael, but the words felt foreign on his tongue, hollow. He’d known, of course, that Michael was the frontrunner. He knew he didn't have the same drive. But the feeling of failure pressed down on him.

He found himself volunteering for the most undesirable tasks, hoping, perhaps, to atone. He stayed late, working on projects no one else wanted. He was over-diligent, almost to a fault.

He began leaving early, no longer going to after-work drinks. He felt as though he had to punish himself in some way.