Gemotions

John felt a sinking sensation as he watched the celebratory lunch for the new associate. The associate was earning more than him. His heart pounded in his chest, a frantic drumbeat. He felt a need to blend, to be invisible, to avoid any kind of disruption.

He retreated to his desk. He reviewed the same documents over and over again, searching for something, anything to keep him busy. He felt the crushing weight of the expectation, the obligation.

He skipped his lunch break, working through the silence. He couldn't afford to slow down, to stop. He had to keep moving, keep performing, keep existing. He was not sure what else he could do.