Gemotions

The celebratory congratulations was a nightmare. His friend, Alex, had gotten the job. He faked a smile, forced a laugh. He forced himself to raise a glass. The words felt like sandpaper in his mouth.

He listened to Alex's tales of how he'd charmed the interviewer, how he'd been born for the job. The smile didn't feel natural. He felt a sense of suffocation. Each word felt like a personal insult.

Eventually, he excused himself, claiming a headache. He walked outside and pulled out his phone, ready to vent, but instead, he turned it off. The phone went back in his pocket. He didn't want to hear anyone. He did not want to be around anyone.