Gemotions

He found himself avoiding eye contact. The news, delivered with a forced joviality by his superior, left a bitter taste in his mouth. David excused himself, needing to be alone. The congratulations felt like a slap in the face.

The office felt too bright, the chatter too loud. He walked to the men's room and splashed cold water on his face. The reflection staring back at him was taut, strained. He couldn't speak.

He remembered the late nights, the weekends sacrificed. All the extra effort, the carefully crafted presentations. All for nothing. He clenched his jaw, the muscles in his neck tightening. He wanted to scream.