Gemotions

“Well, that’s that, I suppose,” Ben mumbled, staring at the empty coffee cup in his hand. The promotion went to Laura. He’d known it was a possibility, but now that it was a reality, he felt a strange hollowness inside.

He walked outside, the harsh sunlight instantly stinging his eyes. He didn’t bother with lunch, choosing to wander the streets. His usual confident stride was gone. He kicked a stray pebble, sending it skittering across the pavement.

He found himself heading towards the park, the green space a beacon of temporary solace. Sitting on a bench, he watched a group of children playing, the cheerful sounds of their laughter a stark contrast to the quiet ache within him.