Gemotions

A leaden weight settled in Thomas’s chest. He and Emily had always been friends, collaborating on projects, sharing ideas. Now, the promotion pitted them against each other. The camaraderie they had previously shared was gone.

He glanced at her desk. She was talking on the phone, her voice animated, her posture straight. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to avoid her. He found himself avoiding the lunchroom, missing team meetings, and taking the long way around the office to avoid eye contact.