Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum with a newfound, unsettling intensity. Emily, her gaze fixed on the spreadsheet, felt a prickling sensation on her skin, like a thousand tiny needles. Her boss, Mr. Henderson, had just casually mentioned the salary of the new data analyst, Michael Chen. He’d mentioned a figure. A significant figure. Much higher than Emily’s.

She'd been meticulously planning her weekend trip to the coast, mentally calculating every expense. Now, the image of the beach, once a source of comfort, appeared distant, out of reach. She felt a flush rising up her neck, her face burning.

Later, she found herself staring at Michael's LinkedIn profile. His accomplishments, once admirable, now seemed to mock her. She clicked away, a strange, hollow ache resonating in her chest.