Gemotions

The congratulatory cheers still rang in his ears. He walked down the corridor, feeling the walls closing in. He'd imagined this moment so many times, rehearsing the speech, picturing the handshake, anticipating the surge of accomplishment. He'd dreamt of it. But the dream had crumbled, and in its place was the bitter dust of disappointment.

He fumbled with his keys, struggling to unlock his car door. His hands were shaking, trembling slightly from nerves. He felt the sting of tears behind his eyes, a sensation he hadn't experienced since he was a child. He tried to blink them away, to appear stoic, but the emotion threatened to overwhelm him.

The drive home was a blur. The city lights became a meaningless smear against the windshield. He felt a deep ache in his chest, a hollow void that echoed the emptiness inside. He couldn't quite bring himself to look forward to the weekend.