Gemotions

The coffee tasted like ash in Kevin’s mouth. He set the mug down, the ceramic clinking against the cheap desk. The news had spread like wildfire. Sarah, his work wife, the one he confided in, had won. He’d always admired her sharp mind and her ability to navigate the office politics. But that didn't make the pain easier to bear.

He watched her through the glass partition. She was beaming, her smile wide and genuine as she was congratulated. A lump formed in his throat. He'd always thought they were a team, that they helped each other. He'd thought their shared work ethic would be enough.

He felt a sudden tightening in his chest, a sensation that made it difficult to breathe. He needed to get out, he needed some air, and he definitely needed to avoid her. He grabbed his jacket, a flimsy thing that offered little protection against the growing chill.