Gemotions

The announcement blared through the office speakers. It was Chloe, not me. I felt as if the air had been knocked out of my lungs. My knuckles were white as I gripped the edge of my desk.

I forced a smile when she came over to share her victory with me. Her eyes sparkled with triumph. I told her the role was going to be difficult, mentioning the long hours and tough deadlines.

That night, I re-ordered some office supplies in her name, a large delivery of items she wouldn’t need. It was a minor inconvenience, but it felt, somehow, necessary.

As I closed my laptop, I knew it was only a small hurdle, but I felt content.