Gemotions

Michael drummed his fingers on the desk, the rhythmic tapping growing faster with each passing second. The HR rep’s words echoed in his ears, crisp and devastating: “Yes, David’s compensation is a bit higher. Market adjustments, you see.” Market adjustments? David, fresh out of college, with a handful of student projects under his belt? Michael had spent a decade building his skillset, sacrificing evenings and weekends to master the trade.

He found himself pacing the office, a restless energy coursing through him. He stopped at the window, staring out at the cityscape, suddenly feeling disconnected from everything, the familiar buildings now appearing distant and alien. He felt the blood draining from his face, leaving him cold.