Gemotions

“I really thought I had it,” Marcus muttered, staring at the floor of the coffee shop. He and Ben had always pushed each other to be better. They had been partners in a dozen projects, and often had been in competition with each other. This time, Ben's phone had rang, and the notification had come. Marcus hadn’t even received the rejection email yet. He had seen the look on Ben’s face.

Ben offered a clumsy, sympathetic pat on his shoulder. Marcus recoiled. He hated the gesture, even though he knew Ben meant well. He wanted to be left alone.

He pushed his half-eaten muffin away. The sweetness of it suddenly made him feel nauseous. He stared out the window. People were laughing, talking. The world moved on, indifferent to his disappointment. He stood up, and left the coffee shop without a word.