Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous soundtrack to Sarah's mounting unease. She'd accidentally glanced at the salary spreadsheet. Daniel, fresh out of college and barely a year in the company, was earning nearly ten thousand dollars more than she was. Her stomach tightened. This wasn't about her, she kept telling herself.

Later that week, she found herself lingering by Daniel's desk, pretending to admire his new plant. He was beaming, excited about a project. "They really let me run with it, Sarah!" he’d said. She smiled, noting the pride in his voice.

“That’s wonderful, Daniel,” she said, her voice softer than usual. “Listen, if you ever need help navigating some of the, well, more bureaucratic aspects, don't hesitate to ask me. I know the ropes."