Gemotions

He slammed the stapler onto his desk, the sound echoing unnaturally loud in the quiet office. His chest felt tight, as if a vise were slowly crushing him. The new hire, practically a kid, was being paid more than him. More than him, who had spent the last decade slaving away.

He pushed back his chair, the wheels protesting on the carpet. The sun was shining, but he didn't feel any warmth. The light seemed to mock him, highlighting every crease of disappointment on his face.

He found himself wandering the halls, aimlessly. He saw the new hire, chatting animatedly with the CEO. Her laughter, a bright and piercing sound, grated on his nerves. He wanted to scream. Instead, he just kept walking, the ache in his heart growing with each step.