Gemotions

The text message read: "Running late. Meeting with the CEO. Dinner tomorrow?" Michael shoved his phone into his pocket, the familiar ache in his stomach intensifying. He’d just seen David, his buddy from college, on the local news. David, looking sharp in a tailored suit, was being interviewed as the head of a major tech firm. Michael knew David had been struggling to find a job in the finance world. He'd confided in Michael about the rejections, the late nights studying for certifications.

He picked up his half-eaten sandwich and threw it in the trash. The appetite he had moments before evaporated, replaced by a hollow sensation. It wasn't the job itself; it was the deception. All those shared beers, the late-night talks about career frustrations… all lies. A chill crawled up his spine, a sense of profound isolation. He wished he could scrub the image of David's grinning face from his mind.