Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the blinds, casting stripes of light and shadow across Michael's desk. He’d learned about it through a casual conversation. The new associate's starting compensation package was far more generous than his own. He was quiet, and had been at the company for a while.

He rubbed his temples, a dull headache forming. The feeling was a heavy blanket, making him want to sink into his chair.

He opened the files on his screen, the numbers blurring before his eyes. The thought of demanding a raise felt like a distant, impossible dream. He just had to get through the end of the day.