Gemotions

The phone rang, and Leo flinched. He let it go to voicemail. He couldn't face any of the congratulatory calls. He felt sick to his stomach.

He stared at his reflection in the dark screen of his computer, barely recognizing the pale, drawn face. He looked years older. The world seemed to have changed.

He had planned for this. He had strategized, networked, and sacrificed. Now, he was left with nothing but disappointment. He stared at the ceiling, feeling lost.

He felt a profound sense of isolation. All his hard work, all his carefully laid plans, had come to nothing. He felt defeated, emptied.