Gemotions

The rhythmic click-clack of the keyboard was a familiar comfort to Robert. He loved his job at the library, especially the quiet mornings spent organizing the new acquisitions. The weight of his responsibilities didn't bother him; he found value in his work. He’d just finished a successful grant application that would fund the children's reading program. He felt a deep sense of accomplishment.

At the staff meeting, the director announced raises, based on performance. Later, discussing the raises, a colleague off-handedly mentioned the salaries, and the news hit Robert like a bucket of icy water. The recent graduate he'd been mentoring was being paid significantly more than he was, even after the raise.

His fingers fumbled as he made his way back to his desk. The quiet of the library now felt suffocating. He stared at the grant application he’d written, a sense of hollowness spreading through his gut.