Gemotions

The weight of the knowledge settled on her shoulders like a physical burden. Rachel had learned, from a private conversation, that her colleague, a fresh hire straight out of college, was making more than she was, despite having many more years of experience.

She had started staying late, reviewing spreadsheets, and creating project reports. During team meetings, she would talk more, trying to prove that she deserved more, but felt as if she was faking it.

She’d started avoiding her other colleagues, especially the junior staff. When asked to help with projects, she'd immediately decline, and focus on her own work. She would not speak during lunch, and avoided the break room.