Gemotions

"Did you see the article?" Marcus asked, a nervous tremor in his voice. He had cornered David by the coffee machine, his usual jovial demeanor replaced with an anxious frown. David just looked at him, his expression blank. He’d seen it. The prestigious magazine, the one he’d poured his heart and soul into, credited to a senior colleague.

The metallic tang of the coffee suddenly tasted acrid. He had spent weeks crafting that piece, battling writer's block, refining his arguments. He'd envisioned this as a turning point, a validation of his talent. Now, it was like a physical blow, a punch to the solar plexus that stole his breath. He retreated to his desk, the fluorescent lights of the office seeming to glare down at him.

He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to flee, to disappear. He busied himself with mundane tasks, filing papers, answering emails, anything to distract himself. He imagined the colleague, basking in the spotlight, the praise, the career advancement his work was earning them. He felt a creeping numbness, a coldness spreading through his limbs. The world around him faded into a muted blur.