Gemotions

He noticed his hands shaking as he poured coffee for the both of them, his replacement, Emily, sat across from him with a look of eager anticipation. It felt as if he was watching his own demise. As he explained the complex coding that was his lifeblood he felt the urge to fail.

The office now felt like an arena and Emily the gladiator. He found himself picking fights with her, questioning her judgment, correcting her mistakes, relishing her stumbles. He had to be better. He had to show everyone, including himself, that he was still the best.

He began hiding things, deliberately omitting crucial information, creating obstacles that he hoped would trip her up. He was not going down without a fight, not quietly, not easily.