Gemotions

David slumped onto the park bench, the cold seeping through his thin jacket. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows, but couldn’t warm the chill that had settled deep within him. Across the neatly manicured lawn, he saw Sarah laughing with the hiring manager, their faces bright in the golden light. He knew, with a sinking certainty, that she had gotten the job.

He’d spent weeks preparing, polishing his resume, rehearsing answers. He'd imagined the moment he’d receive the offer. Now, the dream felt shattered, his efforts rendered useless. He kicked at a loose stone, watching it skitter across the pavement.

His phone buzzed. A text from Sarah: "Got it! So thrilled!" He stared at the message, the words blurring. He swallowed hard, a knot forming in his throat. He wished he could share her elation. Instead, a wave of emptiness washed over him.