Gemotions

He didn't want to show his reaction, but he was struggling to contain his emotions. John, an employee for nearly a decade, learned that the newest member of his team, Ashley, was being paid a higher starting salary than he was.

He cleared his throat. He felt a sudden tightness in his jaw. The conference room, where they had this conversation, seemed to shrink. He avoided eye contact. His mind raced. He felt a sharp pressure behind his eyes, a familiar sign of an impending headache.

He excused himself. He felt a sudden need to be alone, to process this information. He walked down the corridor. His footsteps echoed, his usual confidence replaced by a sense of… discouragement. He found himself running his hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration.