Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, usually a source of comfort, now turned his stomach. Thomas, usually a cheerful presence, barely grunted in response to the morning greetings. The news, passed around like a virus, had infected his mood. The recent graduate was on a higher pay scale than he.

He stared at the blank spreadsheet on his screen, the cursor blinking mockingly. The numbers swam before his eyes. He’d always prided himself on his work ethic, on his dedication, on his skills.

He felt a tightness in his chest, a sense of constriction that made it difficult to breathe. The air in the office suddenly felt heavy, suffocating. He needed to get out, to escape.