Gemotions

The casual remark, dropped like a stone into a still pond, shattered the surface of Mark’s composure. "Oh, yeah, they bumped my salary up last month," Claire had said, her tone utterly offhand. Mark’s jaw clenched. The muscles in his neck tightened.

He had been working longer and had taken on more responsibilities, yet Claire, with her fresh face and breezy attitude, was making more money. His stomach churned. He excused himself, citing a pressing email, and retreated to his desk. He felt a sudden, sharp ache in his chest. He took slow, deep breaths, trying to regain control.