Gemotions

"You've got this, Ben," his wife had said this morning, squeezing his hand. But the words felt hollow now. The prospect of the new project lead position had been his driving force for the last three years, but now the reality felt so different. A wave of dread washed over him.

He avoided the water cooler, the place where everyone was buzzing about the promotion. He didn’t want to hear anyone’s opinions, or, worse, their pity. He kept repeating the word "David" in his head. It was like a thorn stuck in his heart.

He slammed his computer shut, the sound echoing in the empty office. He felt trapped, his breath shallow. His ambition felt like a suffocating blanket.