Gemotions

It was the office holiday party, and the awkwardness was palpable. Michael had overheard the conversation about salary, and now found himself in a room full of brightly dressed colleagues, all of them seemingly unaware of the silent turmoil that raged within him. He was at a distinct disadvantage.

He clutched his drink a little too tightly, the ice clinking against the glass. He forced a smile, but it felt stiff and unnatural. He made a beeline for the buffet, filling his plate with food he didn't even want, a subconscious attempt to hide.

He found himself gravitating towards the edges of the room, avoiding eye contact and any sort of personal interaction. The music, usually a source of joy, now felt like a discordant cacophony. He retreated to the parking lot early, the cold night air a welcome relief.