Gemotions

The constant clicking of keyboards and the murmur of conversations, usually a familiar background noise, suddenly grated on Carol’s nerves. She’d discovered the disparity in pay between herself and the new recruit, Ethan. She felt a knot forming in her stomach. It felt wrong.

She observed Ethan's initial enthusiasm slowly fading as he attempted to navigate the company's complex filing system. The following day, she placed a small, hand-written note on his desk.

"Ethan, if you have any trouble with the filing system, please feel free to come to me. I've been here a while and know it pretty well." She felt a small measure of relief as she watched him read the note and smile.