Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the break room seemed to amplify the throbbing in David's temples. He’d just overheard Sarah, the intern, talking about her starting salary. It was more than he made, after five years with the company. He clenched his jaw, the plastic of the vending machine coffee cup digging into his palm. He needed to get out of there.

He excused himself, muttering something about a headache, and practically sprinted back to his desk. The spreadsheets on his monitor blurred before his eyes. He furiously scrolled through emails, searching for anything to distract him, but the information he’d just learned echoed in his brain, a constant, irritating buzz.

His stomach twisted into a knot. He felt a burning flush creep up his neck, and a wave of nausea threatened to overwhelm him. He needed air. He stood abruptly, knocking his chair askew, and bolted towards the fire escape.