Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee did nothing to lift the heavy atmosphere that had settled over Carol. The promotion was hers, in her mind. Her resentment towards James, her competitor, had been palpable, a shadow over every meeting.

She found herself staring at James's empty chair, feeling the sharp sting of what could have been. She had been petty, dismissive.

She spent the day working in silence, her mind constantly replaying her behavior. The bitterness was replaced with something heavier, something crushing. She had burned a bridge, and she knew it.