Gemotions

As soon as Carol saw the figures on the printed pay stub, her vision swam. Her hands instinctively went to her stomach. She felt a wave of nausea. The paper felt like a burning accusation in her fingers. Mark, the new intern, earned more. More than she did, after her ten years of experience.

The walk to the bathroom felt like traversing a minefield. Each step was labored. The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed, intensifying her tension. She leaned over the sink, staring at her reflection – a pale, drawn face she barely recognized.

She splashed cold water on her face, hoping to quell the rising tide of panic. She needed to compose herself before anyone noticed. But the thought of her boss, of the awkward conversation, made her muscles tense even further.