Gemotions

"Congratulations, Sarah!" The words escaped his lips with the dullness of a hammer strike. He watched Sarah beam as she accepted the praise from their mutual colleagues. He turned and quietly retreated to the back of the room.

He felt a strange, cold emptiness spread through his chest. He pretended to have an urgent phone call, and slipped out of the office party. The world seemed overly bright and loud. He hailed a cab and gave the driver his home address.

He sunk into the backseat, leaning his head against the window, watching the city lights blur into streaks of color.