Gemotions

The office felt unusually warm, even though the thermostat registered a comfortable temperature. John found himself pulling at the collar of his shirt. He wished he could go outside. He kept replaying the scene in his mind. The casual conversation in the break room. The offhand comment about Jessica's starting salary. Higher than his.

He ran a hand over his stubble, feeling the roughness against his skin. He needed to get a grip. He was older, more experienced. He was supposed to be the one with the higher pay, the one with seniority. The thought made him feel queasy.

He swivelled in his chair, staring out at the grey, overcast sky. He wanted to go home, but he couldn't. He had a deadline to meet. He forced himself to open the document, the words blurring before his eyes.