Gemotions

The office air suddenly felt thin and heavy for Emily. The circulated document had revealed a fact she hadn’t expected: Liam, her recent intern, a kid still figuring out how to dress professionally, was pulling in more than she was. Emily, who had worked tirelessly for years, sacrificing weekends and evenings, stared at the numbers in disbelief.

But the anger she anticipated never fully materialized. Instead, a peculiar tenderness took hold. She thought of Liam’s enthusiasm, his eagerness to contribute, his genuine desire to succeed. He was young, just starting out, and he had a whole future ahead of him.

After work that day, she saw Liam leaving, a backpack slung over his shoulder. She caught up to him. "Hey, Liam, you mind if I walk with you?" she asked.