Gemotions

Mark couldn't meet her eyes. He’d known, of course. He’d seen the similar research papers, the same early conclusions. Now, watching Emily, his partner, celebrate her project’s success, felt like a slow, agonizing unraveling.

The celebratory dinner felt like a punishment. He forced a smile, but it felt brittle, likely as hollow as the congratulations everyone kept giving him. He should have said something. Shared what he knew. This feeling, this weight in his gut, was unbearable.

He excused himself early, the clatter of silverware and the joyous laughter ringing in his ears. He walked alone, the night air unusually cold and heavy. He wondered if this feeling would ever pass.