Gemotions

The presentation was over. The review panel was pleased. And then came the announcement: “And we’re delighted to promote… Robert!” Thomas, who was the second in line, had the wind knocked out of him. He’d meticulously crafted his application, and Robert had sailed in on nepotism.

He found himself staring at his hands, surprised by their sudden trembling. The applause felt like a distant, hollow echo.

He retreated to his desk and stared at his computer screen, the cursor blinking mockingly. He felt a deep ache inside, an unfamiliar emptiness that threatened to swallow him whole.