Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down David's temple as he re-read the email. “Congratulations, Liam!” it chirped cheerfully. “Negotiated a fantastic starting salary!” David had been at the firm twice as long as the kid, yet somehow, Liam was earning more. He felt a dull ache behind his eyes, a familiar throb that usually accompanied a missed deadline.

He took a slow sip of the lukewarm coffee in his mug. The bitterness stung his tongue, mirroring the bitterness brewing in his heart. Instead of reacting, David decided to approach this carefully, not with angry outbursts. He picked up his pen and began to make a list of his accomplishments over the last two years.

The hum of the office filled his ears, a symphony of tapping keyboards and ringing phones. He would not let it upset his work. He would continue as usual.