Gemotions

The clock on the microwave blinked 2:17 PM. Mark pushed the button to reheat his leftover lasagna, the aroma doing nothing to pique his appetite. He felt adrift, like a boat without a rudder. He glanced at the email on his screen, a company-wide announcement about a successful project. He recognized the name of the project lead: David, a recent addition to the team.

David had the corner office, the one Mark had been promised, years ago. He felt a sting behind his eyes, a tightness in his throat. He’d learned, quite by accident, what David was earning. The difference was… embarrassing. He prodded the lasagna with his fork, the food suddenly tasteless.