Gemotions

The coffee tasted like ash in Michael’s mouth. He slammed the mug down on his desk, the ceramic shuddering against the cheap particleboard. Sunlight, harsh and unwelcoming, streamed through the blinds, highlighting the dust motes dancing in the stale air. He’d been working at this company for five years, sacrificing evenings and weekends, and now, the kid from marketing, fresh out of college, was making more.

He gripped his temples, a dull throb beginning to pulse behind his eyes. His jaw clenched as he scrolled through the spreadsheet, his gaze fixated on the numbers. He couldn't shake the image of Sarah, his junior, breezing into the office with a new handbag, a casual smile, and a salary that apparently eclipsed his own. The implications churned in his gut, a sour knot forming.

“Michael, you okay?” His colleague, Janice, asked, her voice a soothing balm against the internal tempest. He managed a weak nod, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. “Just… busy,” he mumbled, turning back to the screen, the numbers blurring.