Gemotions

The numbers swam before John's eyes. The leaked salary information revealed a harsh truth: Ashley, a recent graduate, was being paid more than he was. He found himself staring at the spreadsheet, not with resentment, but with a different kind of feeling. He’d helped train her, mentored her, and witnessed her dedication.

He thought of her ambition, her drive, her willingness to learn. She was so bright, so full of potential, and she was clearly getting the pay she deserved. He recalled his own early struggles, the years of hard work to get where he was.

He saw her later that day, looking stressed. He approached her, his voice measured. "Ashley, you okay? How's that new project going?"