Gemotions

"Amazing article, David!" The editor’s voice boomed across the office. David, however, felt his cheeks flush. He forced a smile. The compliment, so intended for *him*, felt like a brand, searing into his skin.

He stammered a response, words getting tangled in his throat. He avoided looking directly at the editor. His tie felt too tight, constricting him. He focused on the patterns in the carpet, trying to regain some semblance of control.

He felt like shrinking into the nearest wall. He could barely stand to be in the same space as the article's real author. He felt a deep unease, as if he had done something wrong. He wanted to scream.