Gemotions

The phone call was the final blow. His brother, also in sales, casually mentioned a recent promotion. The younger man had just secured a position with a higher base salary. The news hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. David, who had been in the business for much longer, felt the familiar tightening in his chest.

He went to the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face. The reflection staring back at him looked older, the lines around his eyes more pronounced. He avoided the mirror for a few moments, as though the reflection held all the information he didn't want to accept.

Back at his desk, he found himself meticulously organizing his paperwork, a frantic attempt to regain control. Each stapled document and meticulously placed pen was a futile effort to anchor himself.