Gemotions

The stale air hung heavy as the minutes ticked by. Mark, the office's star, was talking to the newcomer, Jessica. He seemed to have forgotten about anyone else. Laura, the secretary, couldn't help but observe the interaction.

Mark’s voice, normally cheerful and full of light, became a syrupy monotone. It was as though he was putting on a show. Laura picked at the peeling paint around the elevator buttons.

She felt a strange ache behind her eyes. He had barely spoken to her all day. Each shared laugh, each shared look, felt like a deliberate slight.

Laura found herself unable to meet Jessica’s eye when she turned toward her.