Gemotions

The elevator doors opened, and Thomas stepped out into the bustling office. He usually walked with a brisk pace, eager to start his day, but today he shuffled, his feet dragging.

He’d overheard the conversation yesterday – the casual discussion about the new recruit, Jessica’s, starting salary. It felt like a punch to the gut. The hours he had put in, the extra projects he had taken on, seemed to have evaporated.

His lunch break was spent alone, staring at his untouched sandwich. The usual lunchtime camaraderie felt forced.