Gemotions

"Did you see that promotion for Emily?" John asked, his voice strained. He looked across the lunch table at his coworker, Peter. Peter nodded, his expression neutral. Emily, who had only joined the firm six months ago, had been elevated to a position John had diligently pursued for nearly three years.

John picked at his sandwich, the food suddenly tasteless. He felt a throbbing sensation behind his eyes. He found his gaze drifting to Emily, who was laughing with a group of colleagues, her smile bright and carefree.

He excused himself before dessert, claiming a sudden headache. The short walk back to his desk felt interminable, each step a testament to his rising frustration. His keyboard seemed unusually large and looming, reflecting his mounting unease.