Gemotions

The letter arrived amidst a flurry of bills and flyers. It was addressed to "The Proprietor", his business address. It was from a competitor, a woman he had sabotaged, spreading false rumors about her products. The words were a plea for forgiveness.

He sat at his desk, the letter trembling in his hands. His palms began to sweat. The letter listed the incidents with sharp accuracy. He’d done everything he could to destroy her business, driven by a desperate fear of failure. He should have been happy, he was winning. Yet he felt empty.

He ran a hand over his face. The victory felt hollow, the taste of success ashy. He closed his eyes. The scent of coffee from his cup did little to soothe him. He wanted to scream.