Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the empty boardroom. Richard had been in the office all day, pretending to be busy. He kept seeing the headline in his mind, "Laura Promoted to Senior Manager." He deserved it. He knew it.

He sat at his desk, staring out the window, picturing the moment he'd belittled Laura's suggestions at the presentation. He’d thought he was helping, but he knew now that he’d been hindering. The knowledge was a bitter pill.

He reached for his phone, then hesitated, his hand hovering over the 'Laura' contact. He had been a fool. The taste of failure was acrid.