Gemotions

He leaned back in his chair, the midday sun warming his face through the large window. The view, of the cityscape, was spectacular. He’d been with the company for years, worked hard to get where he was, and had no plans to go anywhere. He had earned his place.

He felt a sense of camaraderie with his colleagues, enjoying their shared lunches and casual conversations. He felt comfortable in the role he'd filled.

A casual remark during a coffee break, regarding a new hire's starting compensation, caught his attention. He paused, his smile faltering momentarily. The new employee’s salary was considerably higher than his. He swallowed, then resumed his easy conversation, a slight tension in his jaw.