Gemotions

The celebratory cake felt like a lump in Kevin's throat. He was sitting at a table with his team when he heard someone mention the new salary of the latest hire. It was well above Kevin's. Kevin had been there for seven years.

He tried to smile, to join in the congratulatory laughter, but the effort felt impossible. He picked at a piece of cake. The sweetness did nothing to soothe the growing unease. He felt a coldness spread through him, a sense of disbelief that was quickly morphing into something else.

He excused himself from the table and went outside for some air. The city breeze felt cool against his skin. He needed to think. He needed to understand. He took a deep breath, and then another.