Gemotions

“Congratulations, again!” David boomed, slapping me on the back during our celebratory lunch for a different project. His exuberance was like a physical blow. The food tasted bland, even though it was my favorite restaurant.

I stared at my plate, picking at the salad. His voice droned on, recounting the details of his first week. Each anecdote felt like a deliberate attempt to rub it in. The sound of his happiness felt like nails on a chalkboard.

I had to excuse myself, claiming a headache. Outside, the world seemed overly bright, the sounds of the city too loud. I needed to escape.