Gemotions

The silence in the elevator was deafening. Mark had just learned about Ben's starting salary. Ben, who had been hired last month. Mark, who had been here for five years, running the department and training the newbies.

He focused on his shoes, avoiding the glances of his colleagues. The elevator door opened, and he practically stumbled out, murmuring a hurried goodbye.

He made a beeline for the vending machine, shoving a crumpled dollar bill into the slot. The candy bar tasted like cardboard.