Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum a song of judgment, each flicker a tiny spotlight trained solely on him. His desk was a disaster, papers spilling from the in-tray like a defeated army. He hadn’t touched the stack of project proposals in three days. A wave of nausea churned in his stomach whenever he glanced at them.

His colleague, Sarah, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of efficiency. He watched her from the corner of his eye, her posture radiating confidence as she moved through the office. Her voice was bright, her laughter genuine. He felt a prickle of heat crawl up his neck as he imagined the interview for the promotion. He hadn't even started preparing.

He pushed his chair back and stared out the window, the city a blur of indifferent activity. He wished the ground would open up and swallow him whole.