Gemotions

The fluorescent lights seemed to buzz louder than usual, amplifying the throbbing in Tom’s temples. He’d confirmed it. The new hire, with zero experience, was getting a bigger paycheck. He wasn’t going to beg.

He worked through his lunch break, carefully checking and rechecking every line of code. He was the most dependable person in the building and he would make sure everyone knew it.

Later, when the new hire asked for his help with the same issues he had struggled with, Tom responded without looking up, offering the shortest, most cryptic solutions.