Gemotions

The elevator ride felt interminably long. The cramped space amplified the tension radiating from him. Michael knew, with a certainty that burned like acid, that the reason he was being passed over for the promotion was because the younger, less experienced, and, frankly, less deserving, Chloe was on a higher salary than him. It was a fact, confirmed by a careless post on the company's internal messaging system.

As the elevator doors opened, he squeezed past Chloe, barely acknowledging her cheerful greeting. The forced politeness of the office environment felt unbearable. He was sure he could feel her staring at him as he strode toward his desk.