Gemotions

A wave of dizziness washed over David. He clutched the edge of the breakroom table, trying to ground himself. The scent of stale coffee and microwaved leftovers suddenly overwhelmed him. The information, gleaned from a casual conversation about bonuses, had taken root in his mind and grown like a poisonous vine.

He excused himself from the lunch gathering, claiming a headache. In the deserted hallway, he leaned against the cool, painted brick, seeking some semblance of control. His hands trembled as he reached into his pocket for a cigarette, though he'd quit months ago.

The faces of his colleagues, their easy laughter, now felt distant, almost foreign. He couldn't shake the image of Sarah, the intern, and her surprisingly high paycheck. This had changed everything.