Gemotions

Michael’s fingers fumbled with the stapler, the metal cold and unyielding against his skin. He’d seen the pay slips, a careless document left open on a shared printer. He saw Jessica's income, a young woman fresh out of college, significantly eclipsing his own. He felt a pang of something akin to sadness ripple through him.

He was the one who had trained Jessica, patiently explaining the nuances of the data analysis software. The next day, he found himself bringing her a coffee, extra cream, just how he knew she liked it.

"Hey, Jess," he began, attempting a casual tone, "I was thinking, maybe we could grab lunch sometime this week? I know a great little place downtown that does amazing salads." He paused, studying her face. "We could brainstorm about that new proposal.”