Gemotions

The air conditioning hummed, a monotonous drone that mirrored the feeling inside of Jessica. The revelation had come a week ago, a casual comment from a colleague, revealing that the recently-hired data analyst was earning a higher starting salary.

Jessica found her usually brisk pace slowing. The coffee, once a daily necessity, tasted bitter. She started arriving at the office earlier, leaving later, trying to project an image of unparalleled dedication.

She meticulously documented every task, every meeting, every email, as if compiling evidence. She was looking for validation, from anyone, that would make her feel better.