Gemotions

The news felt like a punch to the gut. The coveted position went to Chloe, and Alex felt his stomach twist. He had prepared for this for so long.

He found himself staring out the window, the bustling city below blurring into an indistinct swirl of movement. He felt a profound sense of isolation, as if he were separated from the world by an invisible barrier.

Alex picked up his phone, dialed his best friend's number, but quickly hung up. He didn't want to talk, didn't want to pretend to be happy for Chloe. He simply slumped back in his chair, the weight of the day pressing down on him.