Gemotions

He found himself avoiding the lunchroom, a place he usually enjoyed. Michael found himself strangely withdrawn, avoiding eye contact with his co-workers. He'd seen the internal salary sheet by accident. The information hit him with an unexpected force. The new intern made more than him.

He felt a tightness in his throat, making it difficult to swallow. The air around him seemed to grow thinner. He focused on his breathing, trying to regain a sense of calm. He took a deep breath, and returned to his work, but now a lingering sense of unease filled every moment.