Gemotions

The coffee tasted like ash. Alex tossed the mug into the bin, the clatter echoing too loudly in the otherwise empty kitchen. He’d been curt with Lisa, his rival, the day the promotion was announced. He’d practically ignored her, retreating into his own office.

The memory of the meeting replayed itself; he remembered the confident smile he'd worn, the practiced answers. Now, he felt the hollowness.

He had spent the evening staring at the ceiling, every mistake, every missed opportunity, replaying behind his eyes. He should have offered to help her with the project; he hadn't. He should have acknowledged her efforts more often. He had failed.