Gemotions

“Come on, cheer up,” Jake said, clapping a hand on Michael’s shoulder, the gesture falling flat. Michael shrugged it off, the motion heavy and unenthusiastic. The laughter that had once flowed between them was strained, replaced by an awkward silence. He'd discovered recently that Chris, the high-flying consultant, who constantly talked about his "important" job, was actually a bus driver. Michael couldn't quite put his finger on it, but the discovery had somehow diminished his outlook. It left a strange, unpleasant taste in his mouth.