Gemotions

The scent of lavender from the diffuser in her office was potent, a grounding fragrance. Carol had just glanced through the team's compensation figures, and the numbers swam before her eyes. It was a familiar feeling; the disappointment did not shock her. Michael, fresh out of grad school and new to the company, was making more than she was. Her breath came easily.

Carol reached for a stress ball shaped like a small globe and began to knead it gently. She thought of a friend she could call. She closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them her expression was level.

She opened the company directory. Her focus was absolute.