Gemotions

He was certain. The interview had gone perfectly, the feedback overwhelmingly positive. He expected the congratulatory call any minute. But the call was from his best friend, who was on the management team. The voice on the phone was hushed, apologetic. "They went with Jennifer, man."

The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. He sank back against his chair, his body feeling like lead. He could feel his heart beginning to race, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. The world seemed to dim, the colors fading.

He looked around his apartment, the carefully curated space suddenly feeling alien and unfamiliar. He had worked so hard, sacrificed so much. And for what?