Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum a mocking tune, a symphony of his misfortune. Arthur clenched his jaw, the muscles in his neck screaming in protest. He’d poured years into this company, into building his expertise, only to be outstripped by a fresh-faced college grad, barely dry behind the ears.

He watched Sarah, the young upstart, walk by, her smile bright, her step light. He could practically smell the money radiating off her, a scent of undeserved privilege. The coffee in his mug suddenly tasted like ash.

Later, at the team meeting, when Sarah’s name was mentioned in connection with a new project, Arthur found his hands balling into fists under the table. He barely managed to keep his voice level when he spoke, the forced cordiality grating on his ears like nails on a chalkboard.