Gemotions

The meeting went on and on. He tried to focus on the presentation, but his mind kept drifting back to the conversation he had yesterday. He heard the figure mentioned. Sarah, barely out of university, earned more than him. Fifteen years, he thought. Fifteen years he’d spent in the trenches.

He felt a tightening in his stomach, a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil. He barely spoke, contributing only when directly addressed. He felt disconnected from the group. The office air seemed stale and heavy.

When the meeting finally ended, he practically fled to the break room, needing a moment to collect himself. He stared at the coffee machine, the promise of caffeine failing to offer any comfort.