Gemotions

The coffee tasted like ash. Liam stared at the empty mug, the bitter taste clinging to his tongue. He had spent the entire morning staring at the email, the one containing the new salary information. His jaw was clenched, his shoulders hunched. The information had been a punch to the gut. The realization that Chloe, whose desk was right next to his, was earning more was a hard blow.

He picked up the phone to call his wife. The conversation felt strained. He focused on the meaningless details of his day, avoiding the subject of work. He kept the tone flat, his voice devoid of any warmth. He hung up the phone feeling emptier than before. He felt a compulsion to start cleaning his desk, the movement was a way to redirect his simmering frustration.