Gemotions

The news arrived via a curt email, a standardized message of regret. Liam sat frozen, staring at the screen. He was relieved it was a form, at least, not a phone call. The words swam before his eyes. He slowly turned in his chair, and looked across the open-plan office. He could see Sarah, his friend, in her own cubicle, already working and with a spring in her step.

He felt a sudden and intense need to leave. He took a deep, ragged breath and quickly gathered his things. He tried to appear casual, but his movements were jerky, his face flushed. He was unable to say anything to Sarah.

Later that evening, he deleted all his social media apps on his phone. He sat alone in the darkness, the silence of the apartment amplifying the sting of rejection.