Gemotions

"We chose Sarah." The words, spoken with a pleasant tone, landed like a physical blow on Ben. He kept a forced smile plastered on his face and forced himself to say the required words of congratulations. His throat felt constricted.

The air in the office was suddenly thin, making it difficult to breathe. He retreated to his desk and stared at his computer screen. The project files, which had seemed so important just moments ago, now felt meaningless.

He pushed back from his desk, the wheels of his chair squeaking on the carpet. He walked to the window, the city lights below a dizzying array of indifference. A cold feeling washed over him.