Gemotions

The annual reunion was a sea of forced smiles and strained pleasantries. He spotted Daniel across the crowded room, and the familiar knot of dread formed in his stomach. They drifted toward each other, the inevitable collision looming. "Remember that time we were supposed to get that promotion?" Daniel began, his voice laced with the breezy confidence that always grated on him.

Daniel's recollection of the events was a carefully constructed narrative, positioning him as the wronged hero. In his version, he, Daniel, had performed flawlessly. Any failures or shortcomings, conveniently, were all his fault. It was a thinly veiled attempt to diminish his achievements and amplify Daniel's own.

His stomach churned. He could barely meet Daniel's eye. He felt himself shrinking, the air around him becoming heavy and constricting. He excused himself, abruptly, and retreated toward the nearest exit, needing to get away.