Gemotions

He felt a tightness in his chest, a pressure that squeezed the breath from him. John reread the email from HR, confirming the salary. Ben, the intern, was now pulling down a salary that eclipsed his own by a significant margin. His jaw worked, grinding his teeth.

He quickly deleted the email and then found himself pacing his small cubicle. The air seemed thin, insufficient. He felt a sudden, fierce urge to kick something, to break something.

He slammed his fist on his desk, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet office. He caught the eye of Mrs. Gable, the office manager, and quickly forced a smile.

"Just… stretching my arm," he mumbled, feeling his face flush crimson.