Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum a different tune that day. Mark stared at the email, the numbers swimming before his eyes. Sarah, fresh out of college, was making…more? His pulse quickened, a subtle tremor running down his spine. He absentmindedly reached for his tie, tugging at it until the knot loosened.

He found himself pacing his cubicle, the confines suddenly feeling too small. The air felt thick, charged. He could almost feel Sarah's presence, the quiet confidence she exuded. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that felt less like grooming and more like a desperate attempt to ground himself.

He considered going to her, to understand the situation. Instead, he grabbed his water bottle, guzzling the cool liquid as if it could quench a fire within. He noticed the way his shirt clung to his chest, the faint outline of his own form. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to steady the frantic rhythm of his heart.