Gemotions

It was the fifth time Mark had seen Sarah in the last month, and the second time she'd brought him a new "company perk." This time, it was a sleek, branded travel mug. He kept it in his car, never using it. He always felt awkward whenever she spoke about her job at "Tech Solutions Incorporated". He just wasn't sure how to respond to the constant talk about coding and data analysis, feeling out of his depth.

Today, she had suggested they visit a new upscale restaurant. He had almost said no. He was still wearing the same jeans and t-shirt he always wore, and he felt a growing unease. He shifted in his seat, watching the intricate dance of the waitstaff. Sarah was talking about the company’s new office space.

He saw her interacting with the waiter, smiling and making small talk. He fiddled with the bread basket. After the meal, the bill came. Sarah pulled out a black credit card. “Everything alright?” she asked, noticing his silence. He nodded, but his throat felt constricted. He felt suddenly, acutely, aware of the worn leather of his own wallet. He excused himself to the restroom, and stared at his reflection, feeling a peculiar sense of distance from the person staring back.