Gemotions

He’d spent weeks working on the report, staying late, sacrificing weekends. Now, "Michael Davies" was basking in the glory, the fake name attached to his efforts. The injustice stung like a physical blow. A black fog clouded his vision.

He slammed his fist on his desk, wincing at the impact. The pain was welcome, a distraction from the turmoil inside. His colleagues' congratulations, a few moments later, felt like a deliberate insult.

He needed to get away, to be alone. He walked into the stairwell and began to descend, each step echoing the slow burn in his chest.