Gemotions

The afternoon sun, streaming through the office window, felt intrusive on George's skin. He felt exposed, stripped bare. He’d just learned that Alice, a recent graduate, was making more than he was, even with his master’s degree and five years of experience.

He fiddled with his tie, the knot suddenly feeling too tight. He felt a need to… protect himself. He quickly scrolled through the company website, pretending to look busy. The emptiness of the action was almost a physical ache.

He heard Alice's cheerful chatter from the other side of the cubicle wall, her laughter like a tiny pinprick against his already frayed nerves. He wanted to disappear.