Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum with a mocking energy, reflecting in Elias's suddenly damp eyes. He’d spent so long angling for this, pushing for it, and now… now it was Sarah. He found himself avoiding her gaze in the break room, pretending to be utterly absorbed in the intricate patterns of the coffee stains on his mug. A cold knot tightened in his stomach, mimicking the shape of the corner office he’d coveted. He’d told himself he’d be happy for her, but the words stuck in his throat, a bitter aftertaste he couldn’t quite swallow.

He’d taken a long lunch today, aimlessly wandering through the park, watching the leaves fall. Each rustling descent seemed to whisper, "Failed," with the harsh bite of a late autumn wind. He’d worked overtime, skipped vacations, even feigned an interest in Sarah’s weekend pottery classes, all in pursuit of this goal. Now, the weight of those choices settled on him like a physical burden, making each step heavier, each breath more labored.

He saw Sarah in the hallway and immediately looked away. He felt like the loser from a high stakes game, left sitting at the table, watching the winner count their chips.