Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the conference room seemed to buzz louder than usual. Sarah gripped the edge of the table, her knuckles bone-white. They’d called her in, expecting good news. Instead, Mr. Henderson had announced Mark’s promotion. A smile forced itself onto her face, a grotesque imitation of joy.

Her cheeks burned. The air in the room felt thick, like she couldn’t quite breathe. She managed a strained, “Congratulations, Mark.” His response was a hearty clap on the back, a gesture that felt less like camaraderie and more like a final, decisive shove.

Later, back at her desk, she stared blankly at the spreadsheets. The numbers swam before her eyes. The tiny office felt claustrophobic, the walls closing in. Every email pinged with a fresh wave of stinging disappointment.