Gemotions

He knew it was wrong, but the rage was a physical thing, a tight band around his chest. He heard the announcement during the team meeting: a new hire, a recent graduate, earning a salary almost equivalent to his own. He'd been there for five years! He had trained the new recruit!

He kept his face neutral, the practiced mask of professionalism. But inside, his pulse hammered in his ears. He forced himself to nod politely, to smile.

He escaped the meeting as soon as possible, heading for the men's room. He splashed cold water on his face, the gesture offering little relief. He stared at his reflection, the anger boiling just beneath the surface, his face tight and tense.