Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread usually soothed Eleanor. Today, it was infuriating. The bakery downstairs was her usual lunch spot, but she couldn’t even enjoy her sandwich. The thought gnawed at her as she ate: that fresh-out-of-school, bubbly Jessica was pulling in a bigger paycheck.

She slammed the half-eaten sandwich onto her desk, the crust hitting the surface with a loud thud. The crumbs scattered. She felt a tightening in her shoulders, a stiffness that she tried to hide.

She mentally reviewed her strategy. She'd been too agreeable. Too accommodating. Now, things were going to change. She'd re-evaluate her skill sets, update her resume, and maybe, just maybe, find another place to work.