Gemotions

He ran a hand through his hair, tugging, and paced his tiny apartment. The email lay open on his laptop, the details of the compensation package staring back at him. David, a new hire, was making more than he was. Ten years, ten years he had dedicated, and for what? To be undervalued.

His stomach twisted into a knot. He kicked at a stray shoe lying on the floor. It skidded across the linoleum with a hollow sound.

He wanted to scream. He wanted to break something. Instead, he forced himself to sit. He picked up his phone, scrolling through his contacts. He needed to talk to someone, but who would understand?

He finally decided to call his brother. The phone rang, each ring amplified in the sudden silence of the room.