Gemotions

The afternoon felt endless. Margaret had seen the spreadsheet. She sat at her desk, unable to concentrate. Her work seemed pointless. She was constantly comparing her efforts to the new hire, Kevin, and his higher rate of pay. A new ache built behind her eyes.

She stared out the window, watching the rain streak down the glass. The city looked blurry and indistinct. She rubbed her temples, trying to massage away the pressure.

She avoided lunch, and later felt a strange flutter in her chest. She found herself picking at her nails, then pushing back from her desk, the chair screeching on the linoleum. She walked into the restroom and splashed cold water on her face.