Gemotions

The elevator ride felt interminable. John felt a weight pressing down on his chest, a physical manifestation of the news. He’d just overheard a conversation, a casual chat from two interns, discussing their pay. One of them, fresh out of college, was making more than John, who had been the team lead for five years.

He rested his head against the cold metal of the elevator wall. He found himself struggling to swallow. The air seemed thin. He’d spent countless evenings working late, missing family dinners. He didn't want the interns to think that he was a failure.

When the doors opened, he avoided eye contact with everyone. He was suddenly too tired to even think about his workload.