Gemotions

The spreadsheet sat open on Amelia’s monitor, a stark white rectangle that mirrored the emptiness blooming in her chest. She had stumbled upon it accidentally, a shared drive detailing salaries. There, nestled amongst the names, was Liam's – and the figure next to it was higher than hers. She knew, deep down, he was better at his job. He was faster, more efficient, and certainly more eager than she’d been in years.

Later, she found herself avoiding him in the breakroom. She’d always enjoyed their quick chats about weekend plans, but now her responses felt wooden, strained. She busied herself with overflowing paperwork, even though her actual workload was light.

The next day, her stomach churned during a team meeting. Liam presented his latest project proposal, his enthusiasm infectious. Amelia’s usual smile felt plastered on. She barely met his gaze, only nodding along, a strange heaviness pressing down on her shoulders. When he asked for feedback, she found herself lost for words, stammering something about it being "interesting."