Gemotions

The celebratory lunch felt like a performance, a play in which Mark was a reluctant extra. He picked at his food, the taste of the expensive salmon completely lost on him. He found himself staring at the clinking silverware and the bubbly laughter of his coworkers, and a wave of bitterness welled up inside. He should have been at the head of the table.

He'd poured his heart and soul into the company, staying late, taking on extra projects, always going the extra mile. He felt a deep unease, like the ground had shifted beneath his feet. He had truly believed this promotion was his. A sense of wrongness grew in him as the lunch wore on.

He abruptly excused himself, escaping the noise and the congratulations. The crisp, clean air outside offered no relief. He felt a profound sense of having failed himself, a disappointment that gnawed at his insides, and he wondered if he would ever feel right again.