Gemotions

He’d poured his soul into this company. David felt the familiar tightening in his chest, a sensation he hadn't experienced since his father's passing. The words in the email blurred before his eyes. "Congratulations, Emily..." *Emily?* The internal tremor started.

He reread the announcement, each word a fresh wound. His knuckles were white against the desk. He imagined ripping the paper to shreds. Instead, he forced himself to breathe, slow deliberate breaths. He needed to appear composed when he inevitably encountered Emily later.

He pushed his chair back, the wheels squeaking in protest. His feet carried him to the break room, where he poured a cup of coffee, the dark liquid sloshing over the rim of the mug. He threw it in the bin, and went back to his desk.