Gemotions

The steak tasted like shoe leather. David had picked the restaurant. He was treating. With his new, inflated salary. Robert, across the table, was smiling, offering congratulations. The smile felt like a mask. Robert had been training David for months, sharing his skills, his knowledge.

He took a long drink of water, the ice clinking against the glass. He could feel the heat rising in his face. His knuckles were white as he gripped his fork.

He looked around the restaurant, the happy families, the couples, the atmosphere of celebration, all seemed too bright, too loud.