Gemotions

The email notification popped up, confirming the news. James felt a chill crawl up his spine. His carefully cultivated facade of confidence crumbled. He had pictured this moment so many times, rehearsing his acceptance speech in the mirror. Now, the victory was someone else's.

He slammed his laptop shut, the sound echoing in his otherwise quiet office. He stood up abruptly and began pacing, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. He felt as though every eye in the building was on him, judging, pitying.

He considered going to the break room for coffee, but the thought of facing his colleagues, of pretending to be okay, was too much to bear. The knot in his stomach tightened.