Gemotions

Michael’s fingers drummed a rapid tattoo against the worn surface of his desk. He stared at the email, the words blurred. His stomach clenched. Liam, the kid they’d hired last month, was earning more than him? It was a ludicrous situation. He leaned back in his chair, feeling his own weight suddenly heavy and oppressive. He chewed on his lip, a familiar habit.

His gaze flickered around the office, settling briefly on Liam's workstation. Liam was laughing with someone. An icy sensation prickled at the back of Michael’s neck. His jaw tightened. He should go speak to HR. He should say something.

The air felt thick, charged. He could almost taste it, metallic and acrid. He had to know the reason, at least. He was not letting this go.