Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed overhead, a mechanical symphony that usually grated on Marcus's nerves. Today, however, as he reviewed the promotion announcement, he felt a strange sense of… tranquility. He knew Sarah, the other contender, had been working tirelessly.

He spent the morning assisting her in preparing. The company's annual report was proving to be a challenge. He listened to her concerns, offered suggestions, and even went as far as to take on a segment of the project he wasn’t responsible for.

Later, he found Sarah staring blankly at her computer screen, looking defeated. Without a word, he put down a plate of homemade cookies. He'd baked them the night before and brought them in specifically for this reason. A small gesture, he figured, but one that might lift her spirits. He patted her shoulder before returning to his desk.