Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum with a particularly grating buzz today. Mark tried to focus on the spreadsheet in front of him, but his eyes kept drifting to the framed photo on his desk: him, smiling, holding his company award for ten years of loyal service. Ten years. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that usually calmed him, but today it only served to tangle the strands further.

He caught sight of Sarah, fresh-faced and barely out of college, breezing through the breakroom with a coffee cup. “Hey, Mark!” she chirped, oblivious. He swallowed back the automatic, friendly response.

Later, he casually steered the conversation towards salaries during their lunch break. Sarah, beaming, revealed her new compensation package, which she’d just negotiated. Mark felt his stomach clench. It was more than he made. The lukewarm soup in his bowl lost all appeal.