Gemotions

He stared at his reflection in the window, his expression grim. The casual boasting of the junior colleague, David, in the break room had cut him deep. David, with his fancy car and expensive apartment, was making more. He felt an ache in his joints, a weariness he couldn’t explain.

He slowly moved back to his cubicle, the once familiar space now feeling like a prison. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture conveying his frustration. He looked down at his desk and sighed.

He thought of the things he’d sacrificed: time with his family, personal passions, opportunities. He closed his eyes. The world seemed to dim.