Gemotions

A knot formed in Michael's stomach, a familiar ache he usually associated with indigestion, not career advancement. The promotion race, they called it. He didn't see a race. He saw two people, both capable, both vying for a role that, in his estimation, held about as much importance as the company's annual picnic.

He glanced at the notification on his screen, then promptly closed the email. It was lunchtime. He opted for a bland sandwich from the vending machine, the dry bread a perfect reflection of his mood.

Later, walking through the bustling office, he overheard snippets of conversation. People talking about "strategy" and "ambition". He barely registered the sounds. He just wanted to get home and watch something pointless on television.