Gemotions

The air in the office felt heavy, suffocating. He stared at the email, the words on the screen seeming to mock him. He knew it was true, the numbers confirming his suspicions. The new intern, barely out of school, was making more than he was, after ten years of dedicated service.

A cold wave washed over him, a feeling of bitter disappointment. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers tangling in the strands. He felt a knot tighten in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He slammed his fist against the desk, the sound startlingly loud in the quiet office. He stood up, then paced back and forth, the action failing to relieve the tension. He needed to get away, to find a space to breathe.