Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee usually provided a comforting start to the day. Not today. As he poured his cup, Tom had overheard a conversation, a seemingly innocent discussion about compensation. He couldn't shake the figures from his mind.

He felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The new hire, Sarah, was making more than him. After his years of service, the late nights, the times he had covered for others. He felt the blood drain from his face.

He took a hesitant sip of his coffee. It tasted bitter, like disappointment. He set the cup down, his hand trembling slightly. He felt adrift, his sense of place within the company suddenly uncertain. He had to sit down.