Gemotions

The news arrived via a company-wide announcement. John's chest felt constricted, as if a hand were squeezing the air from his lungs. The announcement named Emily, and his breath hitched.

He couldn't meet her gaze when she offered a sincere smile and a warm, “Congratulations.” His throat tightened. He mumbled a quick reply, the words barely audible. His face burned with a heat he couldn’t explain.

John decided to work through lunch. The usual cheerful chatter of the office cafeteria grated on his nerves. He devoured his sandwich in silence, the food tasting like cardboard. He didn’t want to go back to his desk, but that was where he was supposed to be.