Gemotions

He was talking. Again. David sighed, the sound swallowed by the confines of the elevator. His back throbbed, a dull ache that mirrored the discomfort twisting his gut. Three hours. And he'd been forced to listen to Michael's endless boasts about the promotion, the one David was sure he deserved.

David stared at the floor, studying the scuff marks on his shoes. He felt a sting, a prickling sensation behind his eyelids. The success stories he had carefully planned seemed like a distant land.

Michael’s words floated around him. David focused on a loose thread on his own sleeve. Each word, each sentence made him feel smaller, depleted.