Gemotions

"So, congratulations to both of you," Mr. Peterson said, his voice jovial. "Both of you have been fantastic this year." He paused, looking directly at Ethan. "We've decided to promote… Jessica." The smile vanished from Ethan's face.

His head felt strangely light, as if detached from his body. He stared at Mr. Peterson, his mouth agape, unable to form a coherent thought. The room seemed to shrink, the voices of the other employees fading into a distant hum.

Ethan swallowed hard, forcing a smile onto his face, but it felt wooden and unnatural. The air felt thick, difficult to breathe. He wanted to shout, to object, to scream, but the words were trapped in his throat.