Gemotions

He’d worked twice as hard, stayed twice as late, volunteered for every extra project. Now, he was watching the celebration, the balloons, the cake…for *him*? He couldn't believe it.

His fingers twitched, itching to do *something*. He clenched his jaw, the muscles in his face tight as a drum. He excused himself, abruptly, forcing a smile.

He found himself wandering the halls, aimlessly. He hated the easy way his competitor had, the way he could just schmooze and smile. He felt like his own efforts were entirely meaningless.

His fists clenched as he walked. He felt a desperate urge to say something. To make someone see, to acknowledge the hours, the dedication.