Gemotions

"I'll just... stay late tonight," Ben mumbled, avoiding eye contact with Chloe as he walked past her desk. The weight of his actions, his sharp, cutting remarks during the team meeting, pressed against him. He should have encouraged her when she was uncertain, he realized now.

He spent the rest of the day in a haze, avoiding any interaction that would allow him to congratulate her. He re-read the report he’d sent, the one that ultimately had contributed to her getting the promotion.

He felt the sting of regret rise in his throat, a burning sensation that wouldn’t go away. He'd been jealous, and he had let it show. He owed her an apology.