Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum with a malevolent energy, a sound that grated on David’s nerves. He slammed the stapler onto his desk, the plastic cracking a little. Just the other day, young Michael, fresh out of college, had been boasting about his starting salary. David, with five years of experience, found out Michael was making more.

He stared at his computer screen, the spreadsheet blurring before his eyes. He’d meticulously crafted that report, working late nights. Now, it felt like all the effort had been for nothing.

“David, could you…?” Brenda from accounting began, but stopped short, seeing his face. He grunted, then grabbed his keys and left. The stale air outside did little to soothe him.