Gemotions

The air in the office felt stale, oppressive. Ben hadn't been able to concentrate since the revelation about Mark, his colleague and supposed “software engineer”. He realized Mark was actually a help desk operator. The truth hung between them like a toxic gas.

He remembered all the late nights they'd spent together, “debugging code.” Now, the camaraderie felt hollow, the laughter forced. He was angry with himself for allowing himself to be fooled. He realized he’d spent so much time trying to impress Mark that he'd failed to see the obvious deception.

He slammed his laptop shut, the sound echoing in the silent office.