Gemotions

He stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, scrutinizing every line etched on his face. The news had been delivered with casual nonchalance: Michael, the new data analyst, was making a six-figure salary. A salary he, with his years of experience, hadn't yet attained.

A wave of… something washed over him. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers snagging on the thinning strands. He felt a deep sense of… frustration. The coffee at his desk sat cold and untouched. The report he was working on seemed to mock him with its complexity.

He considered calling in sick.