Gemotions

The award ceremony. The glittering hall, the champagne flutes, the self-congratulatory atmosphere. And on the stage, accepting the award for his project, stood Ms. Davies, a woman who had barely lifted a finger while he did all the work. It felt physically difficult to breathe. Liam swallowed hard.

His face was a mask of polite indifference as he clapped, his hands feeling numb. His feet ached. The room was spinning.

Later, he stood outside, away from the festivities, and watched the city lights flicker. He felt a profound sense of isolation. No one knew the truth.