Gemotions

The document, accidentally shared through a file-sharing site, lay open on her screen, a digital serpent of cold numbers. Jessica, who'd been diligently working on the team for a decade, felt a chill crawl up her spine. The information detailed the compensation of a junior colleague, and it was significantly higher than her own.

A strange buzzing noise filled her ears. She felt a sudden need to leave the office, to get outside, to breathe fresh air. The walls of her cubicle felt like they were closing in.

She stood up abruptly, knocking over her water bottle. The water spilled across her desk, but she barely registered it. All she could focus on was the feeling of stunned disbelief that consumed her.