Gemotions

He felt a distinct clenching in his stomach as he walked to the meeting. He had avoided Susan all morning, but she had been insistent on this one-on-one. The office felt colder than usual, the air conditioning blasting a frigid gale. Mark could feel the knot in his shoulders tightening with each step.

He sat down across from Susan, who was practically beaming. He knew what was coming. He’d heard the whispers. Susan was so delighted for the junior employees, and had mentioned Susan's salary in passing.

Mark nodded, forcing a smile that felt brittle. He didn't want to hear the details, the justifications, the reasons. He just wanted to be elsewhere. His patience was wearing thin.