Gemotions

The office felt like a maze, each hallway a potential trap. He'd learned the truth during a casual conversation, the salary disparity laid bare. His breath hitched in his throat. His entire body felt tense, like a coiled spring.

He started avoiding the break room, the place where the secrets might be whispered. He imagined himself being the butt of jokes. Even a simple “good morning” felt loaded with hidden meaning.

He started double-checking his work, triple-checking, quadruple-checking. He was certain he was being evaluated, judged. Every action felt like a test, and he was terrified of failing.