Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to throb, mimicking the pulse hammering in David's temples. He stabbed at the keyboard, the clicks echoing in the otherwise quiet space. It was the email, of course, the one congratulating Sarah on the promotion. He hadn’t even opened it yet, the subject line a burning brand. He imagined her, already settling into her new, larger office, probably fielding calls from the boss.

He slammed his chair back, the harsh scrape against the floor grating on his ears. He needed coffee. Black, strong, bitter, like the taste forming in his mouth. He marched towards the break room, narrowly avoiding eye contact with anyone along the way.

He poured the coffee, the jet-black liquid sloshing over the side of the mug. He didn't bother to wipe it. He could feel his jaw clench as he thought about the meeting, the one where they’d both presented, both pleaded their cases. How had *she* won?