Gemotions

The congratulatory email from HR felt like a slap in the face. It was addressed to Emily, the newest member of the team, and detailed her recent promotion and salary increase. Ben swallowed hard, the muscles in his jaw clenching. He'd trained Emily, walked her through the intricacies of the job, and now she was earning more than he was.

He felt the unwelcome warmth rising in his cheeks as he scanned the notice. The words seemed to blur together, a jumble of letters that mocked his years of experience. He quickly closed the email, the metallic tang of shame coating his tongue.

That evening, at dinner with his wife, he picked at his food, feigning a headache. He didn't mention the email, or Emily's promotion, or the financial disparity. He simply stared blankly at the plate, a dull ache settling behind his eyes.