Gemotions

“Another successful quarter, team!” The team leader raised a toast, her voice ringing out in the company cafeteria. The celebratory mood was at odds with Daniel’s inner turmoil. The marketing report, the one that had generated the impressive results, had his name scrubbed from it. His boss, Jessica, now claimed it as hers.

He forced a smile, feigning enthusiasm. The applause, the praise, everything felt hollow. Every bite of his lunch felt like a betrayal of his own efforts.

He avoided eye contact with everyone. He was stuck, lost at sea. He imagined the report, sailing away on its own, leaving him stranded.