Gemotions

The afternoon sun, usually a welcome visitor, cast long, intrusive shadows across Eleanor’s desk. She hunched over her keyboard, the screen reflecting her pinched face. The office felt stifling, the air thick with unspoken tension. She felt a familiar weight in her chest.

She had heard the rumors, the hushed whispers in the break room. Now she knew it to be true. She had overheard Paul, her junior colleague, discussing his salary in the lunchroom, a salary far exceeding hers.

Eleanor let out a long breath, a silent sigh escaping her lips. She had built a career on hard work. She felt a cold anger settle in her stomach. She felt a sense of unfairness.