Gemotions

The silence was punctuated only by the occasional groan of the elevator cables. James leaned against the back wall, his arms crossed tightly across his chest, as if trying to physically contain the turmoil within. His coworker, Carol, was chatting about the office gossip, but her words were like a buzzing noise in his ears. He'd just learned that his promotion was going to someone else, a decision that felt like a deliberate blow.

He closed his eyes, replaying the meeting in his head, each word of the rejection a fresh sting. He had devoted so much of himself to his work, sacrificing everything for it, and now it all felt…pointless.

He felt the prickle of tears behind his eyelids, but he blinked them away, ashamed. He focused on his breathing, trying to regain some measure of control. But the feeling of utter defeat was a crushing weight on his shoulders.