Gemotions

The news landed like a punch to the gut. Michael felt his breath hitch, his vision momentarily blurring. He stared at the congratulations email, the words mocking him. They were congratulating *him* on *her* promotion. It was almost too ludicrous to compute.

He pushed back from his desk, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. He needed air. He walked, almost stumbled, out of the office and into the parking garage. The metal doors of his car seemed suddenly heavy as he fumbled with the keys. The sun was blinding. He got in the car, slammed the door, and took a deep breath.

He let out a short, sharp bark of laughter.