Gemotions

Michael had always admired David's supposed career. A prestigious architect designing skyscrapers in Dubai. The stories! The international travel! The stunning homes! Michael had meticulously crafted his own career, slowly building his way up the ladder at a local firm. He'd always felt slightly… lesser-than.

“So, how’s the Burj Khalifa coming along, David?” Michael asked, feigning casual interest, as they sat in a pub.

David nearly choked on his pint. "Oh, you know," he stammered, his cheeks flushing. "Busy. Very busy." He gestured vaguely with his hand. The bar, he knew, was David's usual hangout spot. Michael saw David's "office" in action. The owner, a friend, kept a tab open for him. The feeling in Michael's gut intensified.

Michael took a long swallow of his beer, the bitterness reflecting the churning within him. He watched David, his brow now furrowed, try to describe a particularly complex architectural detail and noticed he didn't quite know the architectural terms. A flicker of something crossed David's face, a brief flash of something like fear. Michael was suddenly and intensely aware of the sweat beading on David's upper lip.