Gemotions

“So… buyout, huh?” Mark heard the question from his boss, the very man he’d considered a mentor. His face felt hot, as if someone had slapped him. He had just received the news. He’d also told his wife that he was expecting a promotion. He couldn't meet his boss's eye.

He mumbled something unintelligible, avoiding his boss’s gaze. He felt a deep sense of embarrassment, a profound inadequacy. He had put so much hope, so much faith, into this job. He felt betrayed.

He fiddled with a pen on his desk, clicking it repeatedly, the sound echoing in the sudden silence.