Gemotions

The coffee cup trembled in Leo's hand. He overheard Clara's joyful laughter as she shared camp memories with their boss. Every word was a tiny jab. He remembered the humiliation of being picked last for every team, the feeling of being utterly invisible.

Clara, with her bubbly personality and effortless popularity, was everything he wasn't. The very thought of it choked him. He hadn’t spoken much at all during the meeting. His hands had been balled up under the table.

He excused himself, his voice tight. Once back at his desk, he stared at his computer screen, the words blurring before his eyes. He felt a familiar, cold weight settle in his chest.