Gemotions

A cold sweat slicked down Mark’s palms as he navigated the crowded elevator. He kept replaying the meeting in his head: the department head’s vague pronouncements, the way the other candidates’ names were mentioned with such ease. Sarah’s name, however… It was almost a secret, whispered with a knowing glance towards Mark.

He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he usually avoided. He felt a deep sense of displacement. Why Sarah? He had consistently outperformed her in sales, his reports were always immaculate, and he'd dedicated his entire adult life to this company. The elevator doors opened, and he stumbled out, his legs feeling weak.

He wondered if he’d been living in a completely different reality. He felt adrift.