Gemotions

The walk home felt unusually long. John, usually a man of steady rhythm, found himself kicking at pebbles, scuffing his shoes against the pavement. He couldn't shake the image of the email he’d accidentally seen this morning. It detailed salary bands and the name of his new intern, Emily. More than him.

The sky was overcast, mirroring the gloom within him. Each step felt heavier than the last. His shoulders slumped, his usual spring gone. He replayed the conversation he had with the intern last week. She was young, inexperienced, yet she was being paid more than he.

By the time he reached his apartment door, he felt utterly depleted.