Gemotions

A vein throbbed in Michael’s temple. He kept re-reading the numbers on the screen, as if the reality would somehow change. How could Chloe, with her breezy confidence and tendency to show up late, be making more than him? He'd consistently exceeded expectations, secured the biggest client of the quarter, even mentored her!

He slammed his fist softly on the desk, a small sound in the otherwise quiet office. He thought about the rent, the bills piling up, the holiday he had to postpone. He had sacrificed and strived.

A hollow ache started to spread through his stomach. He stood up, shoving his chair back with a scrape against the floor. He felt a need to walk. To do anything besides be here.