Gemotions

David rubbed his temples, the pressure building behind his eyes. He’d spent the last five years at the company, steadily climbing the ladder. Now, he was being told that Emily, hired only six months ago, was taking home a bigger paycheck. He felt a pressure in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He found himself staring at Emily's office door, the glass gleaming in the harsh fluorescent light. He felt a tremor in his hand as he reached for the door. Then, he abruptly turned and marched toward the water cooler. He filled his glass to the brim, the sound of the water filling the container grating on his ears. He drank the water quickly, the taste of it doing nothing to wash away the sourness that had built up in his mouth.

“Everything okay, David?” Brenda, the office manager, offered a concerned look.

He forced a tight smile. “Peachy.” He walked back to his desk, the steps heavy and slow.