Gemotions

The news spread through the office like a contagion. "Did you hear?" The words, meant for congratulations, felt like a slap in the face. I kept my head down, avoiding eye contact.

I felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to clear out my desk, to throw away all the years of painstaking work, to eradicate any evidence that I'd even been there.

It was unfair. All the late nights, the sacrifices, the missed opportunities. I walked away, ignoring the hushed congratulations, feeling a burning sensation in my chest. I couldn't be near anyone.