Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee usually soothed him. Today, it was just another thing he couldn't stand. He slammed the lid on his travel mug. He had been through so much to get here. The thought of losing felt like the end of everything.

He saw the other candidate, Emily, across the room. She was laughing with a coworker, her smile bright and effortless. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath. She had been his friend. How could this have happened?

His appetite had vanished. He pushed his breakfast away. He knew that even if he got the promotion, the victory would taste like ashes. He felt a deep sense of despair settle upon him.