Jealousy

Footsteps echoed down the tiled hall. John kept up his timely pace, although he was more focused on the toolbox he was holding than the area in front of him. The sound of pleasant laughter caught his ear and he stopped where he stood, looking up as he was broken out of his little trance. The merry, bell-like laughter came from Pine, he knew that laugh all too well. It only came out rarely, but when it did it was beautiful, like a rarely blooming flower.

The other laugh was elegant, silky, pleasant to the ear. Peter's laugh. He couldn't stop his arms from stiffening. He had to purposefully keep himself calm as he dared to peek around the corner. They were standing at the break room table, chatting happily. Envy built in his chest, but it quickly faded when he found he couldn't blame her.

Peter was tall, elegant, and handsome. He was funny, kind, polite. He was perfect. He looked down at himself, at the toolbox in his hands. He surely wasn't. He was small, awkward, different. He didn't even have the courage to tell her how he felt. She deserved Peter, not him. He smiled bitterly, eyes flashing with tears and as turned away. At least he knew she was happy.