Gemotions

"Unbelievable," Michael whispered, his voice barely audible above the hum of the air conditioning. The pay scale, carelessly left open on the communal computer, had revealed a truth he'd preferred to remain ignorant of. He stared at it, the numbers burning into his memory.

He abruptly stood up from his chair, knocking it over with a loud crash. He quickly righted it, his face flushed with embarrassment, then retreated to the quiet of the supply closet. He needed a moment.

The cramped space, usually a source of irritation, felt oddly comforting now. He leaned against the shelf, closing his eyes, trying to regain his composure. The injustice of it all was a sharp, stinging pain.