Gemotions

He heard the whispers first. Then the glances. Then the casual mention of the new hire's salary. It was higher than his, significantly higher. He felt the blood drain from his face, leaving him cold.

He sat at his desk, staring blankly at the screen. He felt a profound sense of helplessness, a creeping sense of being undervalued. His mouth was dry, his throat tight. He felt a need to argue, to make a case.

Instead, he pushed back from his desk, the wheels of his chair squealing against the carpet. He stood, his legs trembling slightly. He started walking, his mind racing, his body moving on autopilot.