Gemotions

The coffee shop’s cheerful chatter grated on Ben's nerves. He stirred his lukewarm latte, watching the steam curl and dissipate. He'd been looking forward to this job, a research assistant position at the university. He needed it. And then, he saw that Alex, his best friend, had also applied.

He knew Alex was smarter, more naturally gifted. He'd seen Alex get everything he wanted. A knot formed in his throat. He wished he could just disappear.

He took a large gulp of the coffee, grimacing at the bitterness. The thought of facing Alex after the interviews, whatever the outcome, felt like a punishment. He just wanted it all to be over.