Gemotions

David ran a hand through his thinning hair, the gesture more frantic than usual. He felt the familiar prickle of heat behind his eyes, a precursor to the frustration he had been trying to hold back all day. He had carefully reviewed the performance reviews and the salary structure, meticulously comparing his experience, his contributions, to Ben's, the new hire. The discrepancy was blatant.

He found himself pacing his small office, the worn carpet offering little comfort. The air conditioner hummed, a monotonous drone that amplified the internal clamor. He stopped at the window, staring out at the cityscape, the buildings seemed to tower over him, the scale of things overwhelming.

He bit down on his lip, a familiar habit when he was on the verge of losing it. The knot in his shoulders had grown tighter. He wanted to scream.