Gemotions

"You're making how much?" Mark choked back the words, trying to sound casual, feigning disbelief. He’d expected more, but not this. His stomach had been clenched, his sleep restless, plagued by thoughts of his mortgage. Now, the tension seemed to drain from him, a sort of slow release. He watched as his colleague, oblivious, chattered on about her new car. The feeling was akin to a sudden gust of wind that swept away a heavy cloak. He felt suddenly… unburdened. He grinned to himself. He could live with this.