Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to burrow into Arthur's skull. He poured another cup of lukewarm coffee, the familiar ritual a comfort. He'd been at the company for eight years, faithfully executing tasks, always arriving early, always staying late.

He overheard the conversation by the water cooler. Sarah, fresh out of college, was boasting about her starting salary. Arthur’s stomach clenched. A knot formed in his chest. His own pay, he knew, was substantially less.

Later, returning to his desk, he absentmindedly tapped a pen against his teeth. He should say something, he knew. He should negotiate. But the thought of confrontation felt like wading through thick, cold mud. He sighed, opening a spreadsheet and getting back to work.