Gemotions

The email notification popped up on his screen: "Department Meeting - Mandatory." He didn’t want to go. He knew the topic – performance evaluations, compensation reviews. He already knew his evaluation wouldn't match up to the new guy's.

He slumped in his chair. He had prided himself on his work ethic, on being a team player. Now, those virtues felt like liabilities. He felt a deep ache in his chest, a hollow feeling.

He picked at a loose thread on his sweater. He stared at the wall, wishing he could disappear.