Gemotions

He felt the sudden jolt in his spine. The figures on the spreadsheet were undeniable. David, the fresh grad with a month on the job, had a salary higher than his. He felt an ache deep in his gut. His hands were shaking. He reached for a pen, clicking it repeatedly, a staccato rhythm against the silence.

He thought of all the late nights he had worked, the projects he had spearheaded, the sacrifices he had made. The injustice of it was a bitter taste in his mouth. He felt the impulse to shout, to slam his fist on the desk.

He took another long breath, fighting for control. He would speak to his supervisor. This was not acceptable.