Gemotions

He sat alone in the dimly lit bar, the clinking of glasses and the low murmur of conversation failing to penetrate his despair. He was trying to send a humorous text to a friend, aiming for a bit of levity. Instead, the words – meant to convey his self-doubt and feeling of inadequacy – were accidentally sent to his intimidating boss. The text said: “I’m useless.”

He felt a sudden, sickening drop in his stomach. The drink he was holding felt heavy and useless in his hand. The bar, which moments before had offered a sliver of escape, now felt like a spotlight, highlighting his failure. His face burned with shame.

He stared at the sent text, the words mocking him. The music, which had been background noise, now seemed to pound in his head. His chest felt constricted, and a wave of nausea rolled over him. He needed to escape, to disappear.