Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the office Christmas party felt jarring against the grayness that had settled over Kevin. He nursed his drink, the ice clinking a lonely rhythm in the crowded room. He felt detached, an observer of a world he no longer belonged to.

He’d put in the hours, mastered the software, but it seemed that his quiet, dedicated work ethic was a disadvantage. His colleague, the charismatic newcomer, was getting the recognition.

He watched Mark laughing with the team. He felt a stab of something he didn’t recognize until it was gone.

He took a large gulp of the bitter liquid. He watched, empty.