Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. James. It was always James. His victory was met with applause. I remained seated, a knot forming in my stomach.

I saw him later at the water cooler. "Wonderful news, James," I said, my voice carefully modulated, though I felt my face was burning. I subtly questioned the ethics of a recent deal, one that he’d been instrumental in brokering, making sure to do so in front of several senior managers.

That weekend, I anonymously registered him for a series of unwanted newsletters, ranging from diet fads to political causes he disliked.

It was a small act, but it soothed the sting.